Liposomal amphotericin B in three lung transplant recipients. The Groningen Lung Transplantation Group.

BACKGROUND

Opportunistic fungal infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. Conventional therapy with amphotericin B is often restricted by toxicity. However, side effects and toxicity of liposomal amphotericin B are reported to be limited.

METHODS

Three lung transplant recipients with proven infections with Aspergillus fumigatus were treated with liposomal amphotericin B.

RESULTS

Therapy with liposomal amphotericin B in our patients showed more side effects and (nephro)toxicity than suggested by previous reports. However, it did not result in cessation of treatment prematurely, and patients were able to complete the antifungal therapy with good clinical success.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B represents an advance from conventional amphotericin B therapy.