Fungal infections in hematological neoplastic disease: the possibility of chemoprophylaxis.
Immunoelectrosmophoresis (IEOP) was used to detect antigens of Candida albicans in the sera of 90 patients with hemolymphoblastosis. A higher percentage of sensitive results occurred in patients with acute myeloid leukemia; moreover, most of the serologically positive patients showed severe leukopenia and neutropenia (WBC less than 1000/microliter; neutrophils less than 200/microliter). According to the results of IEOP assays, a prophylactic treatment with standard dosages of amphotericin B or myconazole was instituted in positive cases. Treatment schedules were randomized in order to assess the effect of each drug. The therapy resulted in serological negativity in 60% of the patients treated with amphotericin B and 57% of those who were given myconazole.
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000032:analysis; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000276:immunology; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003378:Counterimmunoelectrophoresis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000150:complications*; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000150:complications; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D000946:Antigens, Fungal