title: Fungal chemoprophylaxis with fluconazole in preterm infants.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To describe the establishment of a fungal chemoprophylaxis protocol in very low birth weight infants (VLBW). To asses safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of fluconazole administration to these patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  According to published scientific evidence (search on MEDLINE 1994-2001) inclusion criteria for the protocol were defined: gestational age <28 weeks and birth weight <1500 g. Fluconazole was given intravenously by infusion. A pharmacotherapeutic follow-up of patients included on the protocol was performed for 1 year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen patients were included on the protocol, two of them died because of causes not related to the drugs given. Significant drug interactions were not observed. Fluconazole side effects were not reported either. None of the patients who finished the chemoprophylaxis showed signs or symptoms of fungal infection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fluconazole chemoprophylaxis in this small number of patients has shown an excellent safety and tolerability profile. The lack of fungal infection points out the possibility of using fluconazole to reduce morbidity and mortality in VLBW.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Getafe University Hospital Ctra., de Toledo km 12,500, 28905, Getafe, Madrid, Spain. mano24@ono.com
authors.forename: José Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Martínez Sesmero
authors.forename: Francisco José
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Farfán Sedano
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Molina García
authors.forename: Marta Muro
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Brussi
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Rubio Ferrández
authors.forename: Raúl
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Díez Fernández
authors.forename: Cristóbal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Montojo Guillén
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D009181:Mycoses / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011292:Premedication; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D015725:Fluconazole