title: Efficacy and safety of voriconazole in the treatment of acute invasive aspergillosis.
abstract: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of voriconazole in acute invasive aspergillosis (IA), an open, noncomparative multicenter study was conducted. Immunocompromised patients with IA were treated with intravenously administered voriconazole 6 mg/kg twice a day (b.i.d.) twice and then 3 mg/kg b.i.d. for 6-27 days, followed by 200 mg b.i.d. administered orally for up to 24 weeks. Response was assessed by clinical and radiographic change. A total of 116 patients were assessable. IA was proven in 48 (41%) and probable in 68 patients. Voriconazole was given as primary therapy in 60 (52%). Good responses were seen in 56 (48%); 16 (14%) showed complete response and 40 (34%) partial response. A stable response was seen in 24 patients (21%), and 36 (31%) of the infections failed to respond to therapy. Good responses were seen in 60% of those with pulmonary or tracheobronchial IA (n=84), 16% with cerebral IA (n=19), 58% with hematologic disorders (n=67), and 26% of allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients (n=23). Voriconazole is efficacious in treating acute IA.
authors.affiliation: North Manchester General Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom. ddenning@man.ac.uk
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Denning
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ribaud
authors.forename: Noel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Milpied
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Caillot
authors.forename: Raoul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Herbrecht
authors.forename: Eckhard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Thiel
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Haas
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruhnke
authors.forename: Hartmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lode
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014230:Triazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D065819:Voriconazole
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D011743:Pyrimidines; D014230:Triazoles; D065819:Voriconazole