Expert review of anti-infective therapy
-
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are one of the major reasons for morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children. The majority of IFIs are caused by Candida and Aspergillus species. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy is essential for favorable outcome. ⋯ Micafungin has a favorable safety and drug-drug interaction profile. The most common adverse effects in children are diarrhea, epistaxis, abdominal pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, elevation of alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase values, hypokalemia, thrombocytopenia, mucositis, and rash. Because of its different mechanisms of action, micafungin shows promise as part of the prophylactic and therapeutic management of IFIs, but larger prospective and comparative trials are needed for widespread use in children.