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Wednesday, 13 December 2023

 

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations for antifungal therapy optimisation in the treatment of intra-abdominal candidiasis

 

by Emmanuel Novy, Claire Roger, Jason A. Roberts and Menino Osbert Cotta 

 

Critical Care volume 27, Article number: 449 (2023) Published: 20 November 2023

 

Abstract

Intra-abdominal candidiasis (IAC) is one of the most common of invasive candidiasis observed in critically ill patients. It is associated with high mortality, with up to 50% of deaths attributable to delays in source control and/or the introduction of antifungal therapy. Currently, there is no comprehensive guidance on optimising antifungal dosing in the treatment of IAC among the critically ill. However, this form of abdominal sepsis presents specific pharmacokinetic (PK) alterations and pharmacodynamic (PD) challenges that risk suboptimal antifungal exposure at the site of infection in critically ill patients. This review aims to describe the peculiarities of IAC from both PK and PD perspectives, advocating an individualized approach to antifungal dosing. Additionally, all current PK/PD studies relating to IAC are reviewed in terms of strength and limitations, so that core elements for the basis of future research can be provided.

Highlights

·         Intra-abdominal candidiasis presents specific pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) challenges where suboptimal antifungal concentrations are likely to occur leading to high risk of treatment failure.

·         The intra-abdominal cavity has been highlighted as a hidden reservoir for resistance to antifungals including echinocandins.

·         To date, all antifungal PK/PD studies in intra-abdominal candidiasis have enrolled small cohorts and have only provided post-operative antifungal concentrations analysis.

·         Based on current evidence, high dosing regimens of antifungals should be strongly considered, especially at the onset of infection.

·         The place of new antifungals (rezafungin, ibrexafungerp) requires more robust clinical studies including PK/PD analysis in critically ill patients.

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