Voriconazole can induce QTc prolongation and life-threatening arrhythmias. Dr Pasternak and colleagues in Israel found that QTcP >60 ms occurred in around a third of children receiving voriconazole. They recommend ECG monitoring for all patients, and correction of electrolyte imbalances (especially potassium) before initiating voriconazole treatment.
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How well is long-term fluconazole tolerated?
Safety and tolerability data for long-term use of fluconazole are scarce. Dr Davis and colleagues have published a study of 124 coccidioidomycosis patients in California and found that around half (52%) experienced significant side effects, in particular dry skin, hair loss and fatigue.
New prospective open-label study on anidulafungin for invasive candidiasis in children
Recommendations for using anidulafungin (Ecalta/Eraxis) to treat invasive candidiasis in children are largely extrapolated from trials in adults. Dr Roilides and colleagues have published data from a trial of 49 children reporting a global response rate of 71% and a drug-related adverse event rate of 37% (10% discontinued due to AEs).
Rapid qPCR detection of a wide range of Coccidioides clinical specimens: has culture had its day?
An evaluation of a qPCR test for Coccidioides showed good sensitivity (74%) and specificity (100%), and produced results within 4 hours – outperforming fungal culture.
Using mobile phone reminders for medication
Forgetting to take medication can be a major barrier to successful treatment; this problem is exacerbated when the treatment dosing is infrequent.
Candida africana in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis patients
Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a condition which, though not linked to mortality, can cause complications and significant psychological, physical and monetary costs.
Fungal Infection Care Ghana’s CPA Awareness Seminar on World Aspergillosis Day
On February 1st World Aspergillosis Day was marked around the world, with several events occurring. In Ghana, Fungal Infections Care (FIC) held a seminar to raise awareness of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA).
Monetary costs and hospital burden of the management of invasive fungal infections in Mexico
Invasive Fungal infections (IFIs) should be considered a public health problem in Mexico
Authors propose best urine antigen testing protocol for initial detection of histoplasmosis
The initial symptoms of histoplasmosis are often non-specific and, though the disease generally responds well to antifungal therapy early in its progression, it can develop into a serious illness if undetected. Therefore, rapid and accurate diagnosis is necessary.
Onychoscopy enters the dermatology diagnostic portfolio in India
Similar to dermoscopy, onychoscopy allows detailed assessment of a nail and associated structures. Different onychoscopic patterns support naked eye examination and may help in avoiding nail biopsy.