Pediatric antifungal agents.
OBJECTIVE
In immunocompromised hosts, invasive fungal infections are common and fatal. In the past decade, the antifungal armamentarium against invasive mycoses has expanded greatly. The purpose of the present report is to review the most recent literature addressing the use of antifungal agents in children.


RESULTS
Most studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of antifungal agents are limited to adults. However, important progress has been made in describing the pharmacokinetics and safety of newer antifungal agents in children, including the echinocandins.


CONCLUSIONS
Dosage guidelines for newer antifungal agents are currently based on adult and limited pediatric data. Because important developmental pharmacology changes occur throughout childhood impacting the pharmacokinetics of these agents, antifungal studies specifically designed for children are necessary.
Cohen-Wolkowiez
Michael
M
Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC 27715, USA.
Moran
Cassandra
C
Benjamin
Daniel K
DK
Smith
Phillip B
PB
D000367:Age Factors; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D054714:Echinocandins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host / Q000187:drug effects; D007223:Infant; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D054714:Echinocandins