Recommendations on the use of azole antifungals in hematology-oncology patients / Recomendaciones sobre el uso de antifúgicos azolicos en el paciente oncohematológico

The administration of antifungals for therapeutic and, especially, prophylactic purposes is virtually a constant in patients requiring hematology-oncology treatment. Any attempt to prevent or treat Aspergillus or Mucor infections requires the administration of some drugs in the azole group, which include voriconazole, posaconazole and isavuconazole, noted for their activity against these pathogens. One very relevant aspect is the potential risk of interaction when associated with one of the antineoplastic drugs used to treat hematologic tumors, with serious complications. In this regard, acalabrutinib, bortezomib, bosutinib, carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine A, dasatinib, duvelisib, gilteritinib, glasdegib, ibrutinib, imatinib, nilotinib, ponatinib, prednisone, ruxolitinib, tacrolimus, all-transretinoic acid, arsenic trioxide, venetoclax, or any of the vinca alkaloids, are very clear examples of risk, in some cases because their clearance is reduced and in others because of increased risk of QTc prolongation, which is particularly evident when the drug of choice is voriconazole or posaconazole. (AU)

La administración de antifúngicos con fines terapéuticos y especialmente, profilácticos es casi un constante en el paciente que precisa tratamiento oncohematológico. El intento de evitar o de tratar infecciones por Aspergillus o por Mucor exige la administración de algunos fármacos pertenecientes al grupo de los azoles, entre los que destacan por su actividad frente a estos patógenos, voriconazol, posaconazol e isavuconazol. Un aspecto de gran importancia es el riesgo potencial de interacciones cuando se asocian a alguno de los fármacos antineoplásico utilizados en el tratamiento de los tumores hematológicos, dando lugar a graves complicaciones. En este sentido, acalabrutinib, bortezomid, bosutinib, carfizolid, ciclofosfamida, ciscloporina A, dasatinib, duvelisib, gilteritinib, glasdegib, ibrutinib, imatinib, nilotinib, ponatinib, prednisona, ruxolitinib, tacrolimus, transretinoico, trióxido de Arsenio, venetoclax, o cualquiera de los alcaloides de la vinca, representan ejemplos muy evidentes de riesgos en unos casos porque su aclaramiento resulta reducido, en otros porque que se potencia el riesgo de prolongación del QTc, especialmente evidentes cuando el fármaco elegido es voriconazol o posaconazol. (AU)

Interactions listed in the Paxlovid fact sheet, classified according to risks, pharmacological groups, and consequences / Interacciones recogidas en la ficha técnica de Paxlovid, clasificadas según los riesgos, grupos farmacológicos y consecuencias

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir) is a new oral antiviraltherapeutic for the treatment of COVID-19. Nirmatrelvir is aninhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease, while ritonavir is usedas a CYP3A inhibitor in low doses to slow the metabolism ofnirmatrelvir, thus enhancing their therapeutic effect. The isoenzyme CYP3A4 is responsible for at least part of the oxidativemetabolism of approximately 60% of available medicationsand ritonavir is therefore a significant source of drug interactions. We describe here the drugs that are contraindicatedor should be used with or without precautions when Paxlovid(nirmaltrevir plus ritonavir) should be administered accordingto each fact sheet in force at the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AU)

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir más ritonavir) es un nuevo tratamiento antivírico oral para la COVID-19. Nirmatrelvir es un inhibidor de la principal proteasa del SARS-CoV-2, mientras queritonavir es usado como un inhibidor de la CYP3A a baja dosispara reducir el metabolismo de nirmatrelvir, potenciando asísu efecto terapéutico. La isoenzima CYP3A4 es responsable deal menos una parte del metabolismo oxidativo de aproximadamente el 60% de los medicamentos disponibles, por lo que elritonavir es una fuente importante de interacciones farmacológicas. Describimos los fármacos cuyo uso está contraindicado o deben utilizarse con precauciones o sin ella cuando debeadministrase Paxlovid (nirmaltrevir más ritonavir), de acuerdocon cada ficha técnica vigente en la Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AU)

The cost-effectiveness of isavuconazole compared to voriconazole, the standard of care in the treatment of patients with invasive mould diseases, prior to differential pathogen diagnosis in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Invasive mould diseases are associated with high morbidity, mortality and economic impact. Its treatment is often started prior to differential pathogen diagnosis. Isavuconazole is approved for treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and invasive mucormycosis (IM) when amphotericin-B is not indicated. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of isavuconazole vs voriconazole for the treatment of adult patients with possible IA prior to differential pathogen diagnosis, in Spain. METHODS: A decision tree analysis was performed using the Spanish Healthcare System perspective. Among all patients with possible IA, it was considered that 7.81% actually had IM. Costs for laboratory analysis, management of adverse events, hospitalisation and drugs per patient, deaths and long-term effects in life years (LYs) and quality-adjusted LYs (QALYs) were considered. Efficacy data were obtained from clinical trials and utilities from the literature. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were conducted. RESULTS: In patients with possible IA and when compared to voricanozole, isavuconazole showed an incremental cost of 4758.53€, besides an incremental effectiveness of +0.49 LYs and +0.41 QALYs per patient. The Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio was 9622.52€ per LY gained and 11,734.79€ per QALY gained. The higher cost of isavuconazole was due to drug acquisition. Main parameters influencing results were mortality, treatment duration and hospitalisation days. The PSA results showed that isavuconazole has a probability of being cost-effective of 67.34%, being dominant in 24.00% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Isavuconazole is a cost-effective treatment compared to voriconazole for patients with possible IA for a willingness to pay threshold of 25,000€ per additional QALY.

The SARS-CoV-2 Ivermectin Navarra-ISGlobal Trial (SAINT) to Evaluate the Potential of Ivermectin to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission in low risk, non-severe COVID-19 patients in the first 48 hours after symptoms onset: A structured summary of a study protocol for a randomized control pilot trial.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective is to determine the efficacy of a single dose of ivermectin, administered to low risk, non-severe COVID-19 patients in the first 48 hours after symptom onset to reduce the proportion of patients with detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test from nasopharyngeal swab at day 7 post-treatment. The secondary objectives are: 1.To assess the efficacy of ivermectin to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the nasopharyngeal swab at day 7 post treatment.2.To assess the efficacy of ivermectin to improve symptom progression in treated patients.3.To assess the proportion of seroconversions in treated patients at day 21.4.To assess the safety of ivermectin at the proposed dose.5.To determine the magnitude of immune response against SARS-CoV-2.6.To assess the early kinetics of immunity against SARS-CoV-2. TRIAL DESIGN: SAINT is a single centre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, superiority trial with two parallel arms. Participants will be randomized to receive a single dose of 400 µg/kg ivermectin or placebo, and the number of patients in the treatment and placebo groups will be the same (1:1 ratio). PARTICIPANTS: The population for the study will be patients with a positive nasopharyngeal swab PCR test for SARS-CoV-2, with non-severe COVID-19 disease, and no risk factors for progression to severity. Vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, minors (i.e.; under 18 years old), and seniors (i.e.; over 60 years old) will be excluded. Inclusion criteria 1. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the emergency room of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CUN) with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR. 2. Residents of the Pamplona basin ("Cuenca de Pamplona"). 3. The patient must be between the ages of 18 and 60 years of age. 4. Negative pregnancy test for women of child bearing age*. 5. The patient or his/her representative, has given informed consent to participate in the study. 6. The patient should, in the PI's opinion, be able to comply with all the requirements of the clinical trial (including home follow up during isolation). Exclusion criteria 1. Known history of ivermectin allergy. 2. Hypersensitivity to any component of ivermectin. 3. COVID-19 pneumonia. Diagnosed by the attending physician.Identified in a chest X-ray. 4. Fever or cough present for more than 48 hours. 5. Positive IgG against SARS-CoV-2 by rapid diagnostic test. 6. Age under 18 or over 60 years. 7. The following co-morbidities (or any other disease that might interfere with the study in the eyes of the PI): Immunosuppression.Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.Diabetes.Hypertension.Obesity.Acute or chronic renal failure.History of coronary disease.History of cerebrovascular disease.Current neoplasm. 8. Recent travel history to countries that are endemic for Loa loa (Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Equatorial, Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Sudan). 9. Current use of CYP 3A4 or P-gp inhibitor drugs such as quinidine, amiodarone, diltiazem, spironolactone, verapamil, clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, indinavir, ritonavir or cobicistat. Use of critical CYP3A4 substrate drugs such as warfarin. *Women of child bearing age may participate if they use a safe contraceptive method for the entire period of the study and at least one month afterwards. A woman is considered to not have childbearing capacity if she is post-menopausal (minimum of 2 years without menstruation) or has undergone surgical sterilization (at least one month before the study). The trial is currently planned at a single center, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, in Navarra (Spain), and the immunology samples will be analyzed at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), in Barcelona (Spain). Participants will be recruited by the investigators at the emergency room and/or COVID-19 area of the CUN. They will remain in the trial for a period of 28 days at their homes since they will be patients with mild disease. In the interest of public health and to contain transmission of infection, follow-up visits will be conducted in the participant's home by a clinical trial team comprising nursing and medical members. Home visits will assess clinical and laboratory parameters of the patients. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: Ivermectin will be administered to the treatment group at a 400µg/Kg dose (included in the EU approved label of Stromectol and Scabioral). The control group will receive placebo. There is no current data on the efficacy of ivermectin against the virus in vivo, therefore the use of placebo in the control group is ethically justified. MAIN OUTCOMES: Primary Proportion of patients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR from a nasopharyngeal swab at day 7 post-treatment. Secondary 1.Mean viral load as determined by PCR cycle threshold (Ct) at baseline and on days 4, 7, 14, and 21.2.Proportion of patients with fever and cough at days 4, 7, 14, and 21 as well as proportion of patients progressing to severe disease or death during the trial.3.Proportion of patients with seroconversion at day 21.4.Proportion of drug-related adverse events during the trial.5.Median levels of IgG, IgM, IgA measured by Luminex, frequencies of innate and SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells assessed by flow cytometry, median levels of inflammatory and activation markers measured by Luminex and transcriptomics.6.Median kinetics of IgG, IgM, IgA levels during the trial, until day 28. RANDOMISATION: Eligible patients will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio using a randomization list generated by the trial statistician using blocks of four to ensure balance between the groups. A study identification code with the format "SAINT-##" (##: from 01 to 24) will be generated using a sequence of random numbers so that the randomization number does not match the subject identifier. The sequence and code used will be kept in an encrypted file accessible only to the trial statistician. A physical copy will be kept in a locked cabinet at the CUN, accessible only to the person administering the drug who will not enrol or attend to patient care. A separate set of 24 envelopes for emergency unblinding will be kept in the study file. BLINDING (MASKING): The clinical trial team and the patients will be blinded. The placebo will not be visibly identical, but it will be administered by staff not involved in the clinical care or participant follow up. NUMBERS TO BE RANDOMISED (SAMPLE SIZE): The sample size is 24 patients: 12 participants will be randomised to the treatment group and 12 participants to the control group. TRIAL STATUS: Current protocol version: 1.0 dated 16 of April 2020. Recruitment is envisioned to begin by May 14th and end by June 14th. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT number: 2020-001474-29, registered April 1st. Clinicaltrials.gov: submitted, pending number FULL PROTOCOL: The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol.

Executive summary of the consensus document of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), the Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI) and the Spanish Society of Haematology and Haemotherapy (SEHH) on the management of febrile neutropenia in patients with hematological malignancies / Resumen ejecutivo del documento de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC), la Red Española de Investigación en Patología Infecciosa (REIPI) y la Sociedad Española de Hematología y Hemoterapia (SEHH) sobre el manejo de la neutropenia febril en el paciente hematológico

Febrile neutropenia is a very common complication in patients with hematological malignancies receiving chemotherapy, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria have become a therapeutic challenge in this high-risk patient population, since inadequate initial empirical treatment can seriously compromise prognosis. However, reducing antimicrobial exposure is one of the most significant cornerstones in the fight against resistance. The objective of these new guidelines is to update recommendations for the initial management of hematological patients who develop febrile neutropenia in this scenario of multidrug resistance. The two participating Societies (the Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica [Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology] and the Sociedad Española de Hematología y Hemoterapia [Spanish Society of Haematology and Haemotherapy]), designated a panel of experts in the field to provide evidence-based recommendations in response to common clinical questions. This document is primarily focused on bacterial infections. Other aspects related to opportunistic infections, such as those caused by fungi or other microorganisms, especially in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, are also touched upon

La neutropenia febril es una complicación muy frecuente en los pacientes hematológicos que reciben tratamiento quimioterápico, y se asocia a una importante morbimortalidad. Las infecciones por bacterias multirresistentes se han convertido en un reto terapéutico en esta población de pacientes de alto riesgo, en los que un tratamiento empírico inicial inadecuado puede comprometer gravemente su pronóstico. Sin embargo, reducir la exposición a los antimicrobianos es uno de los pilares más importantes en la lucha frente a las resistencias. El objetivo de esta nueva guía es actualizar las recomendaciones sobre el manejo inicial del paciente hematológico que desarrolla neutropenia febril en el escenario actual de multirresistencia. Para la elaboración de este documento, las 2 sociedades implicadas (la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica y la Sociedad Española de Hematología y Hemoterapia) designaron expertos en este tema, quienes han realizado recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia, en respuesta a cuestiones clínicas habituales. Este documento está enfocado básicamente a la infección bacteriana. Otros aspectos relacionados con las infecciones oportunistas, como las producidas por hongos u otros microorganismos, sobre todo en el seno del trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos, se abordan de forma tangencial

Executive summary of the consensus document of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), the Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI) and the Spanish Society of Haematology and Haemotherapy (SEHH) on the management of febrile neutropenia in patients with hematological malignancies.

Febrile neutropenia is a very common complication in patients with hematological malignancies receiving chemotherapy, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria have become a therapeutic challenge in this high-risk patient population, since inadequate initial empirical treatment can seriously compromise prognosis. However, reducing antimicrobial exposure is one of the most significant cornerstones in the fight against resistance. The objective of these new guidelines is to update recommendations for the initial management of hematological patients who develop febrile neutropenia in this scenario of multidrug resistance. The two participating Societies (the Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica [Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology] and the Sociedad Española de Hematología y Hemoterapia [Spanish Society of Haematology and Haemotherapy]), designated a panel of experts in the field to provide evidence-based recommendations in response to common clinical questions. This document is primarily focused on bacterial infections. Other aspects related to opportunistic infections, such as those caused by fungi or other microorganisms, especially in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, are also touched upon.

Bioequivalence Evaluation of Three Pediatric Oral Formulations of Bilastine in Healthy Subjects: Results from a Randomized, Open Label, Crossover Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bilastine is a non-sedating H1 antihistamine indicated for the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. The aim of this trial was to assess the bioequivalence of three novel pediatric oral formulations of bilastine. METHODS: An open label, randomized, four-treatment-period, four-sequence, crossover, single-center study was conducted in 23 healthy volunteers. Each subject received four single doses of bilastine under fasting conditions: a 10-mg orodispersible tablet (DT1), a 10-mg oral solution (SOL), a 10-mg orodispersible tablet without water (DT2dry), and a 10-mg orodispersible tablet with water (DT2water, reference formulation). Blood samples were collected during 72 h with a washout period of at least 7 days. Bilastine maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve between 0 to t time (AUC0-t) were calculated to assess bioequivalence. Tolerability was evaluated throughout the study. RESULTS: The three oral pediatric formulations tested were bioequivalent to the reference formulation as determined by the ratio test/reference of the geometric mean and their 90% confidence intervals (between 0.80 and 1.25) for the Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞. Bilastine was well tolerated when administered indistinctly as an orodispersible tablet or as an oral solution. CONCLUSION: The three oral pediatric formulations tested were found to be bioequivalent to the reference formulation. All formulations were well tolerated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Spanish Clinical Studies Registry (REEC) number 2014-000786-41.

Antibiotic selection in the treatment of acute invasive infections by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Guidelines by the Spanish Society of Chemotherapy / Elección del tratamiento antibiótico en la infección invasiva aguda por Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Guía de la Sociedad Española de Quimioterapia

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is characterized by a notable intrinsic resistance to antibiotics, mainly mediated by the expression of inducible chromosomic β-lactamases and the production of constitutive or inducible efflux pumps. Apart from this intrinsic resistance, P. aeruginosa possess an extraordinary ability to develop resistance to nearly all available antimicrobials through selection of mutations. The progressive increase in resistance rates in P. aeruginosa has led to the emergence of strains which, based on their degree of resistance to common antibiotics, have been defined as multidrug resistant, extended-resistant and panresistant strains. These strains are increasingly disseminated worldwide, progressively complicating the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections. In this scenario, the objective of the present guidelines was to review and update published evidence for the treatment of patients with acute, invasive and severe infections caused by P. aeruginosa. To this end, mechanisms of intrinsic resistance, factors favoring development of resistance during antibiotic exposure, prevalence of resistance in Spain, classical and recently appeared new antibiotics active against P. aeruginosa, pharmacodynamic principles predicting efficacy, clinical experience with monotherapy and combination therapy, and principles for antibiotic treatment were reviewed to elaborate recommendations by the panel of experts for empirical and directed treatment of P. aeruginosa invasive infections (AU)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa se caracteriza por una notable resistencia intrínseca a los antibióticos mediada fundamentalmente por la expresión de β-lactamasas cromosómicas inducibles y la producción constitutiva o inducible de bombas de expulsión. Además de esta resistencia intrínseca, P. aeruginosa posee una extraordinaria capacidad para desarrollar resistencia a prácticamente todos los antimicrobianos disponibles a través de la selección de mutaciones. El aumento progresivo de la resistencia en P. aeruginosa ha llevado a la aparición de cepas que, de acuerdo con el grado de resistencia frente a los antibióticos habituales, se han definido como multirresistentes, extensamente resistentes y panresistentes. Estas cepas se están diseminando mundialmente, complicando progresivamente el tratamiento de las infecciones por P. aeruginosa. En este escenario, el objetivo de las presentes recomendaciones es la revisión y puesta al día de la evidencia publicada para el tratamiento de pacientes con infección aguda, invasiva y grave por P. aeruginosa. Con este fin, se han revisado los mecanismos de resistencia intrínseca, factores que favorecen el desarrollo de resistencia durante la exposición a antibióticos, prevalencia de la resistencia en España, antibióticos clásicos así como los de reciente introducción activos frente a P. aeruginosa, principios farmacodinámicos predictores de eficacia, experiencia clínica con tratamientos en monoterapia o terapia combinada y principios del tratamiento antibiótico para elaborar por un panel de xpertos recomendaciones para el tratamiento empírico o dirigido de infecciones invasivas por P. aeruginosa (AU)

Cost-effectiveness analysis of combination antifungal therapy with voriconazole and anidulafungin versus voriconazole monotherapy for primary treatment of invasive aspergillosis in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: According to a recent randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing the combination of voriconazole and anidulafungin (VOR+ANI) with VOR monotherapy for invasive aspergillosis (IA) in patients with hematologic disease or with hematopoietic stem cell transplant, mortality was lower after 6 weeks with VOR+ANI than with VOR monotherapy in a post hoc analysis of patients with galactomannan-based IA. The objective of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of VOR+ANI with VOR, from the perspective of hospitals in the Spanish National Health System. METHODS: An economic model with deterministic and probabilistic analyses was used to determine costs per life-year gained (LYG) for VOR+ANI versus VOR in patients with galactomannan-based IA. Mortality, adverse event rates, and life expectancy were obtained from clinical trial data. The costs (in 2015 euros [€]) of the drugs and the adverse event-related costs were obtained from Spanish sources. A Tornado plot and a Monte Carlo simulation (1,000 iterations) were used to assess uncertainty of all model variables. RESULTS: According to the deterministic analysis, for each patient treated with VOR+ANI compared with VOR monotherapy, there would be a total of 0.348 LYG (2.529 vs 2.181 years, respectively) at an incremental cost of €5,493 (€17,902 vs €12,409, respectively). Consequently, the additional cost per LYG with VOR+ANI compared with VOR would be €15,785. Deterministic sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. In the probabilistic analysis, the cost per LYG with VOR+ANI was €15,774 (95% confidence interval: €15,763-16,692). The probability of VOR+ANI being cost-effective compared with VOR was estimated at 82.5% and 91.9%, based on local cost-effectiveness thresholds of €30,000 and €45,000, respectively. CONCLUSION: According to the present economic study, combination therapy with VOR+ANI is cost-effective as primary therapy of IA in galactomannan-positive patients in Spain who have hematologic disease or hematopoietic stem cell transplant, compared with VOR monotherapy.

[Dalbavancin: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters]. / Dalbavancina: parámetros farmacocinéticos y farmacodinámicos.

Dalbavancin is a new lipoglycopeptide antibiotic whose structure influences its pharmacokinetic profile. It is not absorbed after oral administration and is therefore administered intravenously. It is distributed through intracellular fluid, reaching adequate concentrations in the skin, bone, blister fluid and synovial fluid. Plasma protein binding is very high. Concentrations in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are inadequate. Excretion is through non-microsomal metabolism with inactive metabolites and through the kidneys by glomerular filtration. Dalbavancin is eliminated slowly, as shown by its clearance value and its terminal elimination half-life, which exceeds 300 hours. This means that adequate concentrations of the drug remain in plasma and tissues for a prolonged period and explains the dosing regimen: a first dose of 1g followed 7 days later by a 500mg dose. The pharmacokinetics are linear and show little intra- and interindividual variability. There are no pharmacokinetic interactions. Dose adjustment is not required for patients with mild or moderate renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance ≥ 30 to 79ml/min). Dosage adjustment is not required in patients regularly receiving elective haemodialysis (3 times/week) and the drug can be administered without consideration of haemodialysis times. In patients with chronic renal insufficiency, whose creatinine clearance is < 30ml/min and who are not regularly receiving elective haemodialysis, the recommended dose should be reduced to 750mg per week, followed 1 week later by 375mg. Dosage adjustment does not seem necessary in patients with liver failure or in older patients. There is no information on the most appropriate dosage in children. The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics parameter that best describes the effectiveness of dalbavancin is the ratio between the area under the curve and the minimum inhibitory concentration.

Dalbavancina: parámetros farmacocinéticos y farmacodinámicos / Dalbavancin: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters

La dalbavancina es un nuevo antibiótico lipoglucopéptido de tamaño de estructura elevado, lo que condiciona su perfil farmacocinético. No se absorbe tras la administración por vía oral, por lo que se administra por vía intravenosa. Su distribución se produce a través del líquido extracelular, alcanzando concentraciones adecuadas en piel, hueso, líquido de blíster y sinovial. Circula en plasma unido a proteínas en proporción muy elevada. Las concentraciones en tejido cerebral y líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) son inadecuadas. Se elimina de forma mixta a través de metabolismo no microsomal con metabolitos inactivos, y renal por filtración glomerular. La eliminación se produce a una velocidad muy reducida, tal y como señala el valor de su aclaramiento y su semivida de eliminación terminal, que supera las 300 h. Esta circunstancia supone la permanencia en el plasma y los tejidos de concentraciones adecuadas durante un prolongado período y justifica la pauta posológica a utilizar: 1 g la primera dosis y 500 mg la segunda, que se administra 7 días después de la primera. La farmacocinética es lineal y presenta escasa variabilidad intra e interindividual. No está implicado en interacciones farmacocinéticas. No son necesarios ajustes de dosis para los pacientes con insuficiencia renal leve o moderada (aclaramiento de creatinina ≥ 30 a 79 ml/min). No se requieren ajustes de dosis para pacientes que reciben regularmente hemodiálisis programada (3 veces por semana) y puede administrarse sin tener en cuenta los tiempos de hemodiálisis. En pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica, cuyo aclaramiento de creatinina es < 30 ml/min y que no están recibiendo regularmente hemodiálisis programada, la dosis recomendada debe reducirse a 750 mg por semana, seguido 1 semana más tarde de 375 mg. No parece necesario ajustar la dosis en pacientes con insuficiencia hepática ni en ancianos, mientras que en niños no se dispone de información sobre la dosificación más apropiada. El parámetro farmacocinético/farmacodinámico que mejor describe la eficacia de dalbavancina es la relación área bajo la curva/concentración mínima inhibitoria (AU)

Dalbavancin is a new lipoglycopeptide antibiotic whose structure influences its pharmacokinetic profile. It is not absorbed after oral administration and is therefore administered intravenously. It is distributed through intracellular fluid, reaching adequate concentrations in the skin, bone, blister fluid and synovial fluid. Plasma protein binding is very high. Concentrations in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are inadequate. Excretion is through non-microsomal metabolism with inactive metabolites and through the kidneys by glomerular filtration. Dalbavancin is eliminated slowly, as shown by its clearance value and its terminal elimination half-life, which exceeds 300 hours. This means that adequate concentrations of the drug remain in plasma and tissues for a prolonged period and explains the dosing regimen: a first dose of 1 g followed 7 days later by a 500 mg dose. The pharmacokinetics are linear and show little intra- and interindividual variability. There are no pharmacokinetic interactions. Dose adjustment is not required for patients with mild or moderate renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance ≥ 30 to 79 ml/min). Dosage adjustment is not required in patients regularly receiving elective haemodialysis (3 times/week) and the drug can be administered without consideration of haemodialysis times. In patients with chronic renal insufficiency, whose creatinine clearance is < 30 ml/min and who are not regularly receiving elective haemodialysis, the recommended dose should be reduced to 750 mg per week, followed 1 week later by 375 mg. Dosage adjustment does not seem necessary in patients with liver failure or in older patients. There is no information on the most appropriate dosage in children. The pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamics parameter that best describes the effectiveness of dalbavancin is the ratio between the area under the curve and the minimum inhibitory concentration (AU)

Liposomal formulations of amphotericin B: differences according to the scientific evidence.

This article presents an overview of the characteristics of liposomes as drug carriers, particularly in relation to liposomal formulations of amphotericin B. General features regarding structure, liposome-cell interactions, stability, encapsulation of active substances and elimination of liposomes are described. Up to the present time extensive efforts to produce similar or bioequivalent products of amphotericin B formulations, in particular in the case of liposomal amphotericin B, have been unsuccessful in spite of having a very similar composition and even an apparently identical manufacturing process. Guidelines for the development of generic liposomal formulations developed by the FDA and EMA are also summarized. Based on the available evidence of the composition of liposomes, any differences in the manufacturing process even if the same lipid composition is used may result in different final products. Therefore, it seems unreasonable to infer that all amphotericin B liposomal formulations are equal in efficacy and safety.

Liposomal formulations of amphotericin B: differences according to the scientific evidence / Formulaciones liposómicas de anfotericina B: diferencias basadas en la evidencia científica

This article presents an overview of the characteristics of liposomes as drug carriers, particularly in relation to liposomal formulations of amphotericin B. General features regarding structure, liposome-cell interactions, stability, encapsulation of active substances and elimination of liposomes are described. Up to the present time extensive efforts to produce similar or bioequivalent products of amphotericin B formulations, in particular in the case of liposomal amphotericin B, have been unsuccessful in spite of having a very similar composition and even an apparently identical manufacturing process. Guidelines for the development of generic liposomal formulations developed by the FDA and EMA are also summarized. Based on the available evidence of the composition of liposomes, any differences in the manufacturing process even if the same lipid composition is used may result in different final products. Therefore, it seems unreasonable to infer that all amphotericin B liposomal formulations are equal in efficacy and safety (AU)

Este artículo presenta una visión general de las características de los liposomas como vehículos portadores de fármacos, especialmente en relación con las formulaciones liposómicas de anfotericina B. Se describen los aspectos generales relativos a la estructura de los liposomas, interacciones del liposoma con la célula, estabilidad, encapsulación de los principios activos y eliminación de los liposomas. Hasta el momento presente todos los esfuerzos para producir productos similares o bioequivalentes de formulaciones de anfotericina B, especialmente en el caso de la anfotericina B liposómica has resultado infructuosas, a pesar de tener una composición similar e incluso un proceso de producción idéntico. Asimismo, se resumen las guías elaboradas por la FDA y EMA para el desarrollo de formulaciones liposómicas genéricas. De acuerdo con la evidencia disponible sobre la composición de los liposomas, cualquier diferencia en el proceso de producción, incluso usando la misma composición lipídica puede determinar diferencias en los productos finales. Por tanto, no parece razonable inferir que todas las formulaciones liposómicas de anfotericina B son iguales en eficacia y seguridad (AU)

[Pharmacology of the antifungals used in the treatment of aspergillosis]. / Farmacología de los antifúngicos en el tratamiento de la aspergilosis.

The treatment of invasive aspergillosis requires the use of drugs that characteristically have complex pharmacokinetic properties, the knowledge of which is essential to achieve maximum efficacy with minimal risk to the patient. The lipid-based amphotericin B formulations vary significantly in their pharmacokinetic behaviour, with very high plasma concentrations of the liposomal form, probably related to the presence of cholesterol in their structure. Azoles have a variable absorption profile, particularly in the case of itraconazole and posaconazole, with the latter very dependent on multiple factors. This may also lead to variations in voriconazole, which requires considering the possibility of monitoring plasma concentrations. The aim of this article is to review some of the most relevant aspects of the pharmacology of the antifungals used in the prophylaxis and treatment of the Aspergillus infection. For this reason, it includes the most relevant features of some of the azoles normally prescribed in this infection (itraconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole) and the amphotericin B formulations.

Farmacología de los antifúngicos en el tratamiento de la aspergilosis / Pharmacology of the antifungals used in the treatment of aspergillosis

El tratamiento de la aspergilosis invasora exige la utilización de algunos fármacos que de forma característica presentan propiedades farmacocinéticas complejas, cuyo conocimiento es imprescindible para alcanzar la máxima eficacia con el mínimo riesgo para el paciente. Las formulaciones lipídicas de anfotericina B son muy distintas en su comportamiento farmacocinético, con concentraciones plasmáticas de la forma liposómica muy elevadas en probable relación con la presencia de colesterol en su estructura. Los azoles presentan un perfil de absorción variable, especialmente en el caso del itraconazol y del posaconazol, este último muy dependiente de múltiples factores. En el caso del voriconazol puede existir variabilidad a este respecto, lo que obliga a considerar la posibilidad de realizar una monitorización de las concentraciones plasmáticas. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar algunos de los aspectos más relevantes de la farmacología de los antifúngicos utilizados en la profilaxis y el tratamiento de la infección aspergilar. Por ello se incluirán los aspectos más relevantes de algunos de los azoles que suelen prescribirse en esta infección (itraconazol, posaconazol y voriconazol) y de las formulaciones de anfotericina B (AU)

The treatment of invasive aspergillosis requires the use of drugs that characteristically have complex pharmacokinetic properties, the knowledge of which is essential to achieve maximum efficacy with minimal risk to the patient. The lipid-based amphotericin B formulations vary significantly in their pharmacokinetic behaviour, with very high plasma concentrations of the liposomal form, probably related to the presence of cholesterol in their structure. Azoles have a variable absorption profile, particularly in the case of itraconazole and posaconazole, with the latter very dependent on multiple factors. This may also lead to variations in voriconazole, which requires considering the possibility of monitoring plasma concentrations. The aim of this article is to review some of the most relevant aspects of the pharmacology of the antifungals used in the prophylaxis and treatment of the Aspergillus infection. For this reason, it includes the most relevant features of some of the azoles normally prescribed in this infection (itraconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole) and the amphotericin B formulations (AU)

Monitoring of trough plasma ganciclovir levels and peripheral blood cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific CD8+ T cells to predict CMV DNAemia clearance in preemptively treated allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients.

It is uncertain whether monitoring plasma ganciclovir (GCV) levels is useful in predicting cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia clearance in preemptively treated allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients. In this observational study, including 13 episodes of CMV DNAemia treated with intravenous (i.v.) GCV or oral valganciclovir, we showed that monitoring trough plasma GCV levels does not reliably predict response to therapy. Rather, immunological monitoring (pp65 and immediate-early [IE]-1-specific gamma interferon [IFN-γ]-producing CD8+ T cells) appeared to perform better for this purpose.

Randomized pharmacokinetic study comparing subcutaneous and intravenous palonosetron in cancer patients treated with platinum based chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Palonosetron is a potent second generation 5- hydroxytryptamine-3 selective antagonist which can be administered by either intravenous (IV) or oral routes, but subcutaneous (SC) administration of palonosetron has never been studied, even though it could have useful clinical applications. In this study, we evaluate the bioavailability of SC palonosetron. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy were randomized to receive SC or IV palonosetron, followed by the alternative route in a crossover manner, during the first two cycles of chemotherapy. Blood samples were collected at baseline and 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 minutes and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h after palonosetron administration. Urine was collected during 12 hours following palonosetron. We compared pharmacokinetic parameters including AUC0-24h, t1/2, and Cmax observed with each route of administration by analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: From October 2009 to July 2010, 25 evaluable patients were included. AUC0-24h for IV and SC palonosetron were respectively 14.1 and 12.7 ng × h/ml (p=0.160). Bioavalability of SC palonosetron was 118% (95% IC: 69-168). Cmax was lower with SC than with IV route and was reached 15 minutes following SC administration. CONCLUSIONS: Palonosetron bioavailability was similar when administered by either SC or IV route. This new route of administration might be specially useful for outpatient management of emesis and for administration of oral chemotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01046240.

Anidulafungin dosing in critically ill patients with continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration.

BACKGROUND: Anidulafungin is indicated as a first-line treatment for invasive candidiasis in critically ill patients. In the intensive care unit, sepsis is the main cause of acute renal failure, and treatment with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has increased in recent years. Antimicrobial pharmacokinetics is affected by CRRT, but few studies have addressed the optimal dosage for anidulafungin during CRRT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 12 critically ill patients who received continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration to treat acute renal failure. Anidulafungin was infused on 3 consecutive days, starting with a loading dose (200 mg) on Day 1, and doses of 100 mg on Days 2 and 3. Blood and ultradiafiltrate samples were collected on Day 3 (during steady-state) before, and at regular intervals after, the infusion had started. Anidulafungin concentrations were determined with HPLC. RESULTS: On Day 3, peak plasma concentrations with the 100 mg dose were 6.2 ±â€Š1.7 mg/L and 7.1 ±â€Š1.9 mg/L in the arterial and venous samples, respectively. The mean, pre-filter trough concentration was 3.0 ±â€Š0.6 mg/L. The mean AUC0-24 values for plasma anidulafungin were 93.9 ±â€Š19.4 and 104.1 ±â€Š20.3mg·h/L in the arterial and venous samples, respectively. There was no adsorption to synthetic surfaces, and the anidulafungin concentration in the ultradiafiltrate was below the limit of detection. CONCLUSION: The influence of CRRT on anidulafungin elimination appeared to be negligible. Therefore, we recommend no adjustments to the anidulafungin dose for patients receiving CRRT.