title: Intravenous voriconazole therapy in a preterm infant.
abstract: A preterm infant younger than 3 months developed a disseminated fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans infection that was treated with liposomal amphotericin B for 52 days, followed by the combination of intravenous voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B for an additional 19 days. The infant received concomitant phenobarbital throughout the hospital stay. The infection resolved after addition of voriconazole to the treatment regimen. Intravenous voriconazole was begun at a high dosage, 6 mg/kg every 12 hours, for anticipated developmental and drug-induced changes in volume of distribution and clearance. On day 4 of therapy, serum concentrations of voriconazole were 3.27 microg/ml immediately after infusion and 0.33 microg/ml 6 hours after infusion. These levels were significantly lower than those achieved in adult pharmacokinetic and safety studies. After the infant's dosage was increased to 6 mg/kg every 8 hours, serum concentrations were 5.33 microg/ml 30 minutes after infusion and 2.67 microg/ml 6 hours after infusion. These levels were similar to those observed in adults. Intravenous voriconazole 6 mg/kg every 8 hours was administered safely, with concomitant phenobarbital therapy, in this preterm infant with developmentally diminished renal function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
authors.forename: Kendre'a M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Muldrew
authors.forename: Holly D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Maples
authors.forename: Cindy D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Stowe
authors.forename: Richard F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Jacobs
mesh_terms: D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014230:Triazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D065819:Voriconazole
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D011743:Pyrimidines; D014230:Triazoles; D000666:Amphotericin B; D065819:Voriconazole