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In this cross-sectional study, we hypothesized that a high dietary ratio of omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids could be associated with an altered gut bacterial composition and with the disease severity in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A total of 101 NAFLD patients were included in the study, of which 63 underwent a liver biopsy. All 101 patients completed a 14-day food and activity record. Ebispro 2016 professional software was used to calculate individual macronutrients and micronutrients consumed. Patients were grouped into 3 quantiles (Q) according to a low (Q1:6.1, n = 34), moderate (Q2: 6.1-7.8, n = 33), or high (Q3:7.8, n = 34) dietary n-6/n-3 ratio. Stool samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Spearman correlation coefficients and principal coordinate analysis were used to detect differences in the bacterial composition of the gut microbiota. The median dietary n-6/n-3 ratio of all patients was 6.7 (range, 3.1-14.9). No significant associations between the dietary n-6/n-3 ratio and the gut microbiota composition or disease severity were observed. However, the abundance of specific bacteria such as Catenibacterium or Lactobacillus ruminis were found to be positively correlated and the abundance of Clostridium were negatively correlated with dietary n-6 fatty acid intake. The results indicate that a high dietary n-6/n-3 ratio is probably not a highly relevant factor in the pathogenesis of human NAFLD. Further studies are needed to clarify the importance of interactions between gut bacterial taxa and n-6 fatty acids in the pathophysiology of NAFLD.

RATIONALE Steroid refractory graft-vs-host disease (sr-GvHD) represents a challenging complication after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Intestinal microbiota (IM) diversity and dysbiosis were identified as influencing factors for the development of acute GvHD. Fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) is hypothesized to restore IM dysbiosis, but there is limited knowledge about the significance of FMT in the treatment of sr-GvHD. OBJECTIVES We studied the effects of FMT on sr-GvHD in allo-HCT patients from two German tertiary clinical centers (n = 11 patients; period: March 2017 until July 2019). To assess safety and clinical efficacy, we analyzed clinical data pre- and post-FMT (day -14 to +30 relative to FMT). Moreover, IM were analyzed in donor samples and in a subset of patients pre- and post-FMT by 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS Post-FMT, we observed no intervention-associated, systemic inflammatory responses and only minor side effects (5/11 patients: abdominal pain and transformation of peristalsis-each 3/11 and vomiting-1/11). Stool frequencies and volumes were significantly reduced [pre- vs post-FMT (d14): P

Background and aimsNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health burden. Risk factors for disease severity include older age, increased body mass index (BMI), diabetes, genetic variants, dietary factors and gut microbiota alterations. However, the interdependence of these factors and their individual impact on disease severity remain unknown.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we performed 16S gene sequencing using fecal samples, collected dietary intake, PNPLA3 gene variants and clinical and liver histology parameters in a well-described cohort of 180 NAFLD patients. Principal component analyses were used for dimensionality reduction of dietary and microbiota data. Simple and multiple stepwise ordinal regression analyses were performed.ResultsComplete data were available for 57 NAFLD patients. In the simple regression analysis, features associated with the metabolic syndrome had the highest importance regarding liver disease severity. In the multiple regression analysis, BMI was the most important factor associated with the fibrosis stage (OR per kg/m2 : 1.23, 95% CI 1.10-1.37, P&nbsp

Background Contamination of the catheter hub is an important source of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI); catheter hub caps incorporating a 70% isopropyl alcohol aim are designed to reduce contamination and hence CLABSI rates. Supporting data in high-risk hematological and oncological patients on the clinical effectiveness of this approach are sparse. Methods We conducted a before-after single center study accompanying the introduction of such caps at our department. Retrospective data from the year prior to the introduction were compared to 1 year of prospective data. Results The control and antiseptic barrier cap (ABC) groups consisted of 309 and 289 patients presenting a CLABSI rate of 15.28 and 10.38 per 1,000 catheter days (P= .042), respectively. However, after multivariate analysis, ABCs were not identified as a statistically significant independent protective factor for the occurrence of CLABSI (hazard ratio 0.69, P= .120). There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to time to CLABSI (P= .681), nor the proportion of catheters removed due to suspicion of infection (P= .076). Conclusions The introduction of ABCs in this high-risk population did not significantly alter CLABSI rates.

ObjectiveSeveral recent studies have identified a potential interaction between the vaginal microbiota and gynecological cancers, but little is known about the cervical microbiota and its changes during cancer treatment. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative changes of cervical microbiota in patients undergoing concurrent chemotherapy and radiation treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer.MethodsCervical cytobrush samples of 15 cervical patients undergoing chemoradiation treatment were collected 1 day before starting external beam radiation therapy and on the day of the last fraction of brachytherapy. After DNA extraction, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the V3–V4 region was performed on the MiSeq platform, followed by data processing and statistical analyses concerning the alpha and beta diversity of 16 samples (7 samples were excluded because of incomplete sample sets).ResultsThe amount of amplicon yield after polymerase chain reaction analysis in post-radiation samples was significantly lower compared with the baseline samples (pre 31.49±24.07 ng/µl; post 1.33±1.94 ng/µl; p=0.007). A comparison of pre-treatment and post-treatment samples did not show significant differences regarding beta diversity (weighted UniFrac). There was no significant difference in alpha diversity, which is used to characterize species diversity within a particular community and takes into account both number and abundance (Shannon Diversity Index pre-treatment samples: 2.167±0.7504 (95% CI 1.54 to 2.79); post-treatment samples: 1.97±0.43 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.33); p=0.38). Interindividual differences in patients could partly explain some variation of the samples (permutational multivariate analysis of variance).ConclusionThere was a strong reduction in cervical bacterial loads after chemoradiation. Neither alpha nor beta diversity varied significantly when baseline samples were compared with post-treatment samples.

Objectives We assessed the efficacy and safety of an oral antimicrobial regimen for short- and long-term intestinal eradication of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-EC/KP) in immunocompromised patients. Methods We performed a randomized (2:1), double-blind multicentre Phase II study in four haematology–oncology departments. Patients colonized with ESBL-EC/KP received a 7 day antimicrobial regimen of oral colistin (2 × 106 IU 4×/day), gentamicin (80 mg 4×/day) and fosfomycin (three administrations of 3 g every 72 h), or placebo. Faecal, throat and urine specimens were collected on day 0, 6 ± 2, 11 ± 2, 28 ± 4 and 42 ± 4 after treatment initiation, and the quantitative burden of ESBL-EC/KP, resistance genes and changes in intestinal microbiota were analysed. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01931592. Results As the manufacture of colistin powder was suspended worldwide, the study was terminated prematurely. Overall, 29 (18 verum/11 placebo) out of 47 patients were enrolled. The short-term intestinal eradication was marginal at day 6 (verum group 15/18, 83.3% versus placebo 2/11, 18.2%; relative risk 4.58, 95% CI 1.29–16.33; Fisher’s exact test P = 0.001) and not evident at later timepoints. Quantitative analysis showed a significant decrease of intestinal ESBL-EC/KP burden on day 6. Sustained intestinal eradication (day 28 + 42) was not achieved (verum, 38.9% versus placebo, 27.3%; P = 0.299). In the verum group, mcr-1 genes were detected in two faecal samples collected after treatment. Microbiome analysis showed a significant decrease in alpha diversity and a shift in beta diversity. Conclusions In this prematurely terminated study of a 7 day oral antimicrobial eradication regimen, short-term ESBL-EC/KP suppression was marginal, while an altered intestinal microbiota composition was clearly apparent.

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs), especially multidrug-resistance plasmids, are major vehicles for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance determinants. Herein, we analyse the MGEs in three extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Germany. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is performed using Illumina and MinION platforms followed by core-genome multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). The plasmid content is analysed by conjugation, S1-pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE) and Southern blot experiments. The K. pneumoniae isolates belong to the international high-risk clone ST147 and form a cluster of closely related isolates. They harbour the blaOXA-181 carbapenemase on a ColKP3 plasmid, and 12 antibiotic resistance determinants on an multidrug-resistant (MDR) IncR plasmid with a recombinogenic nature and encoding a large number of insertion elements. The IncR plasmids within the three isolates share a high degree of homology, but present also genetic variations, such as inversion or deletion of genetic regions in close proximity to MGEs. In addition, six plasmids not harbouring any antibiotic resistance determinants are present in each isolate. Our study indicates that genetic variations can be observed within a cluster of closely related isolates, due to the dynamic nature of MGEs. The mobilome of the K. pneumoniae isolates combined with the emergence of the XDR ST147 high-risk clone have the potential to become a major challenge for global healthcare.

Background and aim Several studies observed alterations in the gut microbiota in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, analyzed patient populations and methods strongly differ among these studies. The aim of this study was to prove the reproducibility of published results and to provide a detailed overview of all findings in our NAFLD cohort using next generation sequencing methods. Methods The individual taxonomic microbiota composition of fecal samples from 90 NAFLD patients and 21 healthy controls was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Study participants were grouped according to their disease stage and compared regarding their gut microbiota composition. Studies were identified from PubMed listed publications, and the results were compared with the findings in our cohort. Results Results from 13 identified studies were compared with our data. A decreased abundance of the Bacteroidetes and Ruminococcaceae as well as an increased abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Veillonellaceae and Dorea were the most frequently reported changes among NAFLD patients in 4/13, 5/13, 4/13, 2/13, and 3/13 studies, respectively. Even though these alterations in the gut microbiota composition were also observed in our patient cohort, the majority of published differences could not be reproduced, neither in our own nor in other NAFLD cohort studies. Conclusion Despite repeatedly reproduced abundance patterns of specific bacteria, the heterogeneous study results did not reveal a consistent disease specific gut microbiota signature. Further prospective studies with homogenous patient cohorts and standardized methods are necessary to phenotype NAFLD by the gut microbiota.

Overconsumption of carbohydrates and lipids are well known to cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), while the role of nutritional protein intake is less clear. In Western diet, meat and other animal products are the main protein source, with varying concentrations of specific amino acids. Whether the amount or composition of protein intake is associated with a higher risk for disease severity has not yet been examined. In this study, we investigated associations of dietary components with histological disease activity by analyzing detailed 14-day food records in a cohort of 61 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Furthermore, we used 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to detect associations with different abundances of the gut microbiota with dietary patterns. Patients with definite nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD activity score of 5-8 on liver biopsy) had a significantly higher daily relative intake of protein compared with patients with a NAFLD activity score of 0-4 (18.0% vs. 15.8% of daily protein-based calories, P = 0.018). After adjustment for several potentially confounding factors, a higher protein intake (≥17.3% of daily protein-based calories) remained associated with definite nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, with an odds ratio of 5.09 (95% confidence interval 1.22-21.25, P = 0.026). This association was driven primarily by serine, glycine, arginine, proline, phenylalanine, and methionine. A higher protein intake correlated with a lower Bacteroides abundance and an altered abundance of several other bacterial taxa. Conclusion: A high protein intake was independently associated with more active and severe histological disease activity in patients with NAFLD. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential harmful role of dietary amino acids on NAFLD, with special attention to meat as their major source.

We report on a kidney transplant recipient treated with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for recurrent urinary tract infections. FMT was administered via frozen capsulized microbiota. Before and after FMT, urinary, fecal and vaginal microbiota compositions were analyzed. The patient remained without symptoms after FMT. Underlying mechanisms of action need to be addressed in depth by future research.

The kinetics of caspofungin (CAS) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following intravenous (i.v.) administration has been studied exclusively in animal models. Human data are missing so far. In this study, 13 CSF samples were obtained at different time points following i.v. infusion of CAS in ten paediatric haemato-/oncological patients (age range 1.0–14.2 years, median 8.6 years) without signs of central nervous system (CNS) infection ( n = 10 samples) or with infectious meningitis ( n = 3 samples). Serum samples were obtained concurrently. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used for CAS quantification. Whilst CAS serum levels were in the expected range, varying between 0.6 and 20.3 µg/mL (median 7.0 µg/mL), 11 of 13 CSF levels were below the limit of detection of 0.084 µg/mL at 3.0–48.0 h (median 23.3 h) following i.v. infusion. Only two (of three) levels in patients with bacterial meningitis were above the limit of detection (0.3 µg/mL and 0.09 µg/mL, respectively). These results indicate the low capacity of CAS to penetrate into the CNS even in inflamed meninges. Monotherapy with standard doses of CAS appears not to be suitable for treatment of fungal CNS infections.

Background & Aims Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has proven high clinical efficacy in the management of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) with cure rates of over 80% after a single treatment. Nevertheless, the reasons for failure in the remaining 20% remain elusive. The aim of the present study was to investigate different potential predictors of response to FMT. Methods Faecal specimens of sixteen patients undergoing FMT for rCDI, as well as samples from the respective donors were collected and analyzed by 16S rRNA gene profiling, bile acid-inducible (baiCD) gene specific qPCR, and liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to quantify the concentrations of primary and secondary bile acids. Results Using the faecal concentration of the secondary bile acid lithocholic acid (LCA)within the patient specimens, we were able to predict response to FMT (accuracy 95.2%, sensitivity 100%, specificity 90.9%). By combining the faecal LCA concentration with the urinary pCS concentration, an accuracy of 100% was achieved. Conclusion LCA appears to be a promising marker candidate for prediction of clinical response to FMT. Other makers, such as urinary concentration of pCS, but not 3-IS, might be used to improve accuracy of prediction. Further studies are warranted to validate these candidate markers.

ObjectivesLarge-scale clinical studies investigating associations between intestinal microbiota signatures and human diseases usually rely on stool samples. However, the timing of repeated stool sample collection cannot be predefined in longitudinal settings. Rectal swabs, being straightforward to obtain, have the potential to overcome this drawback. Therefore, we assessed the usability of rectal swabs for microbiome sampling in a cohort of hematological and oncological patients.Study designWe used a pipeline for intestinal microbiota analysis from deep rectal swabs which was established and validated with test samples and negative controls. Consecutively, a cohort of patients from hematology and oncology wards was established and weekly deep rectal swabs taken during their admissions and re-admissions.ResultsValidation of our newly developed pipeline for intestinal microbiota analysis from rectal swabs revealed consistent and reproducible results. Over a period of nine months, 418 rectal swabs were collected longitudinally from 41 patients. Adherence to the intended sampling protocol was 97%. After DNA extraction, sequencing, read pre-processing and filtering of chimeric sequences, 405 of 418 samples (96.9%) were eligible for further analyses. Follow-up samples and those taken under current antibiotic exposure showed a significant decrease in alpha diversity as compared to baseline samples. Microbial domination occurred most frequently by Enterococcaceae (99 samples, 24.4%) on family level and Enterococcus (90 samples, 22.2%) on genus level. Furthermore, we noticed a high abundance of potential skin commensals in 99 samples (24.4%).SummaryDeep rectal swabs were shown to be reliable for microbiome sampling and analysis, with practical advantages related to high sampling adherence, easy timing, transport and storage. The relatively high abundance of putative skin commensals in this patient cohort may be of potential interest and should be further investigated. Generally, previous findings on alpha diversity dynamics obtained from stool samples were confirmed.

The pharmacokinetic variability of voriconazole (VCZ) in immunocompromised children is high, and adequate exposure, particularly in the first days of therapy, is uncertain. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed to explore VCZ exposure in plasma after alternative dosing regimens. Concentration data were obtained from a pediatric phase II study. Nonlinear mixed effects modeling was used to develop the model. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to test an array of three-times-daily (TID) intravenous dosing regimens in children 2 to 12 years of age. A two-compartment model with first-order absorption, nonlinear Michaelis-Menten elimination, and allometric scaling best described the data (maximal kinetic velocity for nonlinear Michaelis-Menten clearance [ V max ] = 51.5 mg/h/70 kg, central volume of distribution [ V 1 ] = 228 liters/70 kg, intercompartmental clearance [ Q ] = 21.9 liters/h/70 kg, peripheral volume of distribution [ V 2 ] = 1,430 liters/70 kg, bioavailability [ F ] = 59.4%, K m = fixed value of 1.15 mg/liter, absorption rate constant = fixed value of 1.19 h −1 ). Interindividual variabilities for V max , V 1 , Q , and F were 63.6%, 45.4%, 67%, and 1.34% on a logit scale, respectively, and residual variability was 37.8% (proportional error) and 0.0049 mg/liter (additive error). Monte Carlo simulations of a regimen of 9 mg/kg of body weight TID simulated for 24, 48, and 72 h followed by 8 mg/kg two times daily (BID) resulted in improved early target attainment relative to that with the currently recommended BID dosing regimen but no increased rate of accumulation thereafter. Pharmacokinetic modeling suggests that intravenous TID dosing at 9 mg/kg per dose for up to 3 days may result in a substantially higher percentage of children 2 to 12 years of age with adequate exposure to VCZ early during treatment. Before implementation of this regimen in patients, however, validation of exposure, safety, and tolerability in a carefully designed clinical trial would be needed.

Recent data link the incidence of intestinal GvHD (iGvHD) after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aSCT) to exposure with piperacillin-tazobactam or imipenem-cilastatin. To assess relevance of timing, duration, sequence and combination of antibiotic treatment in this setting, we applied a time-dependent model to our aSCT cohort. Patients from the prospective Cologne Cohort of Neutropenic Patients (CoCoNut) undergoing aSCT from January 2007 to April 2013 were included into a time-dependent multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model with backward-stepwise selection. In 399 eligible patients, cumulative antibiotic exposure (hazard ratio (HR) 2.46; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.59-3.81; P

Caspofungin (CAS) is approved for second-line management of proven or probable invasive aspergillosis at a dose of 50 mg once daily (QD). Preclinical and limited clinical data support the concept of the dose-dependent antifungal efficacy of CAS with preservation of its favorable safety profile. Little is known, however, about the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of higher doses of CAS in patients. In a formal multicenter phase II dose-escalation study, CAS was administered as a 2-h infusion at doses ranging from 70 to 200 mg QD. CAS PK sampling ( n = 468 samples) was performed on day 1 and at peak and trough time points on days 4, 7, 14, and 28 (70 mg, n = 9 patients; 100 mg, n = 8 patients; 150 mg, n = 9 patients; 200 mg, n = 20 patients; total, n = 46 patients). Drug concentrations in plasma were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy. Population pharmacokinetic analysis (PopPK) was performed using NONMEM (version 7) software. Model evaluation was performed using bootstrap analysis, prediction-corrected visual predictive check (pcVPC), as well as standardized visual predictive check (SVPC). The four investigated dose levels showed no difference in log-transformed dose-normalized trough levels of CAS (analysis of variance). CAS concentration data fitted best to a two-compartment model with a proportional-error model, interindividual variability (IIV) fitted best on clearance (CL), central and peripheral volume of distribution ( V 1 and V 2 , respectively) covariance fitted best on CL and V 1 , interoccasion variability (IOV) fitted best on CL, and body weight fitted best as a covariate on CL and V 1 (CL, 0.411 liters/h ± 29% IIV; IOV on CL, 16%; V 1 , 5.785 liters ± 29% IIV; intercompartmental clearance, 0.843 liters/h; V 2 , 6.53 liters ± 67% IIV). None of the other examined covariates (dose level, gender, age, serum bilirubin concentration, creatinine clearance) improved the model further. Bootstrap results showed the robustness of the final PopPK model. pcVPC and SVPC showed the predictability of the model and further confirmed the linear PKs of CAS over the dosage range of 70 to 200 mg QD. On the basis of the final model, geometric mean simulated peak plasma levels at steady state ranged from 13.8 to 39.4 mg/liter (geometric coefficient of variation, 31%), geometric mean trough levels ranged from 4.2 to 12.0 mg/liter (49%), and geometric mean areas under the concentration-time curves ranged from 170 to 487 mg · h/liter (34%) for the dosage range of 70 to 200 mg QD. CAS showed linear PKs across the investigated dosage range of 70 to 200 mg QD. Drug exposure in the present study population was comparable to that in other populations. (This study has been registered with the European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials website under registration no. 2006-001936-30 and at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00404092.)

Mucormycosis is an emerging invasive fungal infection, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. The disease is difficult to diagnose and mortality reaches 40% even if treated adequately. Depending on site of infection and risk factors, surgical debridement in combination with systemically active antifungal drugs are the mainstay treatment strategies. Lipid-based amphotericin B is the treatment of choice for first-line therapy while posaconazole may be a promising alternative. We performed a PubMed search on reports of patients with mucormycosis treated with posaconazole. From 2003 to 2011, 96 cases have been published. Diagnosis was based on histology alone in 2 (2.1%) and microbiological evidence in 67 (69.8%), while no data on the diagnostic approach was reported in 27 (28.1%) patients. The most frequent pathogens were Rhizopus spp. (31.2%), followed by Mucor spp. (14.6%). The site of infection was predominantly rhino-orbital (38.5%, of which 43% also had central nervous system [CNS] involvement), followed by disseminated disease (22.1%). A complete response was achieved in 62 (64.6%), partial response in 7 (7.3%) patients, and stable disease in 1 (1%). Overall mortality was 24% (lacking data for three patients). In published case reports on posaconazole treatment for mucormycosis, the drug was frequently and successfully used in combination or as second line therapy.

A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous quantification of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and its phenolic glucuronide (MPAG) in saliva and plasma. Saliva was collected and processed using a standardized commercially available collection device. Sample preparation comprised of protein precipitation with acetonitrile and subsequent centrifugation, followed by evaporation and reconstitution with mobile phase. A labeled isotope of MPA was used as internal standard, and chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column with an isocratic flow. LC–MS/MS detection was performed using a triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometer working in selected reaction monitoring mode with positive electrospray ionization (ESI). The analytes were quantified in a single run within 2 min. For saliva, linearity was demonstrated over the concentration range of 5.0 to 400.0 ng/ml for both MPA and MPAG, and from 0.08 to 20.00 μg/ml for MPA and 0.4 to 100.0 μg/ml for MPAG in plasma. The lower limits of quantification for MPA and MPAG were 0.07 and 0.80 ng/ml in saliva, and 0.002 and 0.009 μg/ml in plasma, respectively. Inter- and intra-day precisions expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD) and accuracies were less than 15%. The recoveries for MPA and MPAG from the collection device's swab were higher than 90%. Sample stability was confirmed for bench times up to 24 h at room temperature. The method was validated according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines Q2 (R1) Validation of Analytical Procedures. The applicability of the method was tested in a renal pediatric patient. Based on a limited sampling strategy, MPA saliva and plasma concentrations were found in good agreement with each other. We suggest that the described method is suitable to analyze saliva and plasma samples of small volumes for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and pharmacokinetic studies in pediatric patients.

To estimate the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of posaconazole in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) undergoing chemotherapy in a clinical setting.Posaconazole concentrations in patients with AML/MDS receiving prophylactic posaconazole were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. A population PK model with nonlinear mixed effect modeling was developed. The list of tested covariates included age, weight, height, gender, posaconazole dose, ethnicity, co-administration of antineoplastic chemotherapy, ranitidine or pantoprazole, coincident fever, diarrhea, leukocyte counts, and γ-glutamyltransterase plasma activity.A total of 643 serum concentrations of posaconazole from 84 patients were obtained. A one-compartment model with first order absorption and elimination as the basic structural model appropriately described the data, with an apparent clearance of 56.8 L/h [95% confidence interval (CI) 52.8–60.8 L/h] and an apparent volume of distribution of 2,130 L (95% CI 1,646–2,614 L). Significant effects on apparent clearance (CL/F) were found for presence of diarrhea and for co-medication with proton-pump inhibitors (1.5- and 1.6-fold increase in CL/F, respectively), weight (33.4 L larger apparent volume of distribution per kilogram), and co-administration of chemotherapy (0.6-fold lower apparent volume of distribution).We developed a prediction basis for mean posaconazole concentrations in AML/MDS patients. Patient weight, presence of diarrhea, and concomitant medication (chemotherapy and pantoprazole) showed significant effects on posaconazole exposure. Corresponding adjustments of the starting dose according to the presence of diarrhea and during the co-administration of chemotherapy or proton-pump inhibitors appear justified before therapeutic drug monitoring results are available. Further investigation of the interaction between different chemotherapeutic regimens and posaconazole is warranted.

Micafungin is one of three echinocandin antifungals approved by the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Like all echinocandin antifungals, micafungin inhibits the synthesis of 1,3-β-D-glucan, a main component of the cell wall of many medically important fungi; thus, exerting fungicidal activity against most Candida spp., as well as fungistatic activity against many Aspergillus spp. Micafungin displays linear pharmacokinetics over the therapeutic range with a long half-life, allowing once-daily intravenous administration. Steady state serum concentrations are achieved after 3 days. Since therapeutic concentrations of micafungin are achieved after the administration of a standard dose there is no need for a loading dose. Interactions of micafungin with the cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) system are marginal; and, consequently, no severe drug–drug interactions have been reported so far. Furthermore, micafungin exhibited favorable profiles for tolerability and safety; no dose-limiting toxicity has been e...

Background Large randomized controlled trials have shown significant decreases in morbidity and mortality in leukaemia patients with posaconazole prophylaxis. However, the value of prophylaxis has been questioned in centres with a low incidence of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) and pre-emptive treatment strategies. Methods We prospectively evaluated the epidemiology of IFDs in acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) patients undergoing first remission-induction chemotherapy before and after posaconazole prophylaxis had been introduced as a standard of care. Patients admitted from January 2003 to December 2005 received topical polyenes as antifungal prophylaxis (first group), while those admitted between January 2006 and December 2008 received 200 mg of oral posaconazole three times daily (second group). Other diagnostic and therapeutic standard operating procedures remained unchanged. Results A total of 82 patients in the polyene prophylaxis group and 77 in the posaconazole prophylaxis group were included in the final analysis. Baseline characteristics were well matched between groups. Patients receiving topical polyene prophylaxis were more likely to experience breakthrough IFDs (19.5% and 3.9%; P = 0.003) or breakthrough aspergillosis (13.4% and 2.6%; P = 0.018) than patients receiving systemic posaconazole prophylaxis. They also had more febrile days (mean 10.7 +/- 9.66 and 7.3 +/- 5.73; P = 0.007), longer need for inpatient treatment (mean 53.0 +/- 24.16 and 46.0 +/- 14.39; P = 0.026) and a shorter fungal-free survival (78.7 and 90.4 days; P = 0.024). No significant differences were observed for persistent fever, pneumonia, lung infiltrates indicative of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, or attributable and overall mortality. Conclusions After introduction of posaconazole prophylaxis for patients with AML, the number of febrile days, the incidence rate of IFDs and aspergillosis and the duration of hospitalization decreased significantly.

Anidulafungin is the most recently approved compound of the echinocandin antifungal class. Its mode of action is the noncompetitive inhibition of β-(1,3)-D-glucan synthesis. Potent fungicidal activity has been demonstrated against many Candida spp., including non-albicansCandida spp. and fluconazole-resistant strains, as well as fungistatic activity against Aspergillus spp. Owing to low oral bioavailability, it can only be administered intravenously. Anidulafungin is not metabolized by the liver and renal clearance is negligible, thus rendering dosage adjustments in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function unnecessary. Due to lack of interference with the cytochrome P450 pathway, it displays minimal drug-drug interaction. Anidulafungin has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of esophageal and invasive candidiasis after clinical trials demonstrated its noninferiority to fluconazole. In September 2007, anidulafungin gained EMEA approval for the treatment of invasive candidiasis in adult non-neutropenic patients. For those with invasive or noninvasive candidiasis with resistance or intolerance to fluconazole in particular, as well as those requiring antifungal medication, that anidulafungin does not interact with concomitant medication means it may be regarded as a safe and efficacious treatment option. Promising results from animal models and experience with the other echinocandins indicate several potential lines of investigation: invasive aspergillosis, prophylaxis and treatment of transplant patients, and empirical treatment in patients with febrile neutropenia. Significant differences in clinical efficacy or safety favoring anidulafungin over the other echinocandins are yet to be discovered.

Posaconazole is a commonly used antifungal for the prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal infections. We previously demonstrated that the intracellular concentration of posaconazole in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) was greatly increased compared to the plasma concentration. As these professional phagocytes are crucial to combat fungal infections, we set out to investigate if and how, beneficial or deleterious, this high loading of intracellular posaconazole impacts the functional capacities of these cells. Here, we show that high intracellular concentrations of posaconazole do not significantly impact PMN and monocyte-derived macrophage function in vitro . In particular, killing capacity and cytoskeletal features of PMN, such as migration, are not affected, indicating that these cells serve as vehicles for posaconazole to the site of infection. Moreover, since posaconazole as such slowed the germination of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia, infected neutrophils released less reactive oxygen species (ROS). Based on these findings, we propose that the delivery of posaconazole by neutrophils to the site of Aspergillus species infection warrants control of the pathogen and preservation of tissue integrity at the same time.

Despite the development of new antifungal drugs, invasive fungal infections are highly prevalent and cause substantial mortality. Adequate individualized treatment is important for improving patient outcomes. This chapter on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the compounds available will help bedside decision-making by addressing, e.g., the tremendous inter- and intra-individual variation and the importance of drug–drug interactions. Nephrotoxicity remains the major challenge of amphotericin B formulations. Echinocandins and amphotericin B show poor penetration into cerebrospinal fluid, brain, and ocular fluid. Voriconazole and fluconazole disseminate into most infection sites including the central nervous system and eye. Recent studies indicate a close relationship between treatment outcome and typical pharmacodynamic indices relative to a pathogen’s minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Although the peak concentration (Cmax) to MIC ratio is a good predictive index for the therapeutic efficacy of amphotericin B, for the triazoles the ratio of the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) to the MIC and trough concentrations are better indices for predicting their therapeutic efficacy.

Pharmacokinetic studies usually focus on serum concentrations, hence little is known about intracellular drug concentrations. In this study, we determined the concentration of anidulafungin within different cellular compartments of the peripheral blood. Blood samples (n=17) from patients receiving anidulafungin were collected and separated by double-discontinuous Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation. Intracellular concentrations within the obtained cells, i.e. peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) and red blood cells (RBCs), were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Within the PBMCs and PMNs, the intracellular concentration of anidulafungin was significantly increased compared with the plasma concentration (P

Our objective was to evaluate the maximum tolerated dose of caspofungin for invasive aspergillosis (IA). The safety and pharmacokinetics of escalating dosages of caspofungin were investigated in IA. Eight patients each received caspofungin 70, 100, 150, or 200 mg once a day (QD). Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as the same non-hematological treatment-related adverse event of grade ≥4 in 2 of 8 patients or ≥3 in 4 of 8 patients in a cohort. A total of 46 patients (median age, 61 years; 21 female; 89% with hematological malignancies) received caspofungin (9, 8, 9, and 20 patients in the 70-, 100-, 150-, and 200-mg cohorts) for a median of 24.5 days. Plasma pharmacokinetics were linear across the investigated dosages and followed a two-compartment model, with weight as the covariate on clearance and sex as the covariate on central volume of distribution. Simulated peak plasma concentrations at steady state ranged from 14.2 to 40.6 mg/liter (28%), trough concentrations from 4.1 to 11.8 mg/liter (58%), and area under the concentration-time curve from 175 to 500 mg/liter/h (32%) (geometric mean, geometric coefficient of variation). Treatment was well tolerated without dose-limiting toxicity. The rate of complete or partial responses was 54.3%, and the overall mortality at 12-week follow-up was 28.3%. In first-line treatment of invasive aspergillosis, daily doses of up to 200 mg caspofungin were well tolerated and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Pharmacokinetics was linear. Response rates were similar to those previously reported for voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin.

Whilst micafungin serum concentrations are well studied, little is known about its concentrations within cellular compartments of the peripheral blood. Hence, in this study blood samples were collected from patients receiving micafungin (n=26). These samples were separated by double-discontinuous Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation. Intracellular concentrations within the obtained cells, i.e. peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and red blood cells (RBCs), were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Within PBMCs and PMNs, the intracellular micafungin concentration was significantly increased compared with the concentration in plasma (P

Despite the availability of newer antifungal agents, invasive fungal diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Voriconazole and posaconazole are two extended-spectrum triazoles indicated for treatment and prophylaxis of invasive fungal diseases. Recently, there has been increased interest in the utility of therapeutic drug monitoring to optimize safety and efficacy of antifungals in an attempt to improve patient outcomes. We reviewed the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of voriconazole and posaconazole in the context of clinical indications for therapeutic drug monitoring. In addition, the most recent evidence examining the relationship between serum concentrations of voriconazole and posaconazole and their efficacy or toxicities was evaluated. This information was then integrated to formulate recommendations for use of therapeutic drug monitoring in clinical settings.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of antifungal plasma concentrations is increasingly recommended. However, data on antifungal concentrations in the other compartments of the peripheral blood are limited. Hence, we collected 23 blood samples from 14 patients receiving posaconazole for prophylaxis of fungal infections. These samples were separated by double-discontinuous Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation. The intracellular posaconazole concentrations of the obtained cells, i.e., the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), and red blood cells (RBCs), were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The intracellular concentrations of the PBMCs and PMNs were significantly higher than those of surrounding media ( P < 0.001). The ratios between the intracellular and extracellular concentrations (C/E) were 22.5 ± 21.2, 7.66 ± 6.50, and 0.09 ± 0.05 for the PBMCs, PMNs, and RBCs, respectively. Posaconazole reaches high concentrations within human PBMCs and PMNs and is, to a lesser extent, present in RBCs. The high intracellular concentrations might contribute to posaconazole efficacy and distribution.

Posaconazole is a new drug in the triazole class that has recently been investigated in pivotal Phase III clinical trials. Its antifungal activity is based on the inhibition of the fungal ergosterol synthesis. As demonstrated in vitro, posaconazole exhibits fungicidal activity against Aspergillus spp., Candida spp. and zygomycetes. Currently, posaconazole is only available as an oral suspension. Food consumption affects the bioavailability of posaconazole, while the exposure to posaconazole increases in a dose-proportional manner with a saturation of absorption occurring with a daily dose over 800 mg. Posaconazole is well tolerated without an increase in risk of any treatment-related adverse events during prolonged treatment for 6 or more months (n = 108). Posaconazole has been recently approved by the US FDA and other regulatory bodies for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis, and the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in severely immunocompromised patients. As demonstrated in two pivotal Phase III trials, posaconazole prophylaxis of invasive fungal infection in patients severely immunocompromised by graft–versus–host disease (n = 600) or neutropenia (n = 602) is superior to fluconazole and/or itraconazole prophylaxis. Significantly more patients who received posaconazole, instead of fluconazole, as treatment for oropharyngeal candidiasis sustained clinical success after the treatment was stopped. Preliminary data from a subgroup analysis (n = 24) of two salvage therapy trials for invasive fungal infections, as well as single case reports and series and in vitro studies, suggest that posaconazole might be an attractive oral treatment alternative for zygomycosis.

Abstract 2309 Objectives. Treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) fails in up to 50% of all cases and the mortality rate is at least 30%. Antifungal combination treatment has not been proven to be beneficial and dose escalation with liposomal amphotericin B did not improve outcome. New approaches are needed for patients with severe immunosuppression. Methods. Escalating high dosages of caspofungin were investigated in IA defined according to modified EORTC/MSG criteria. The tested cohort of patients received 70mg, 100mg, 150mg or 200mg QD, 8 patients each were to receive caspofungin first-line treatment for proven/probable IA for up to 28 days. Dose limiting toxicity was defined as 2 of 8 patients in the same cohort with the same grade ≥4 non-hematological treatment-related adverse event (TRAE), or 4 of 8 patients with a grade ≥3 non-hematological TRAE. If no dose-limiting toxicity was reached, 12 additional patients were to be enrolled in the 200mg cohort. Patients unevaluable for toxicity or pharmacokinetic analysis were replaced. Results. A total of 46 patients were treated in the 4 cohorts (9, 8, 9, 20 pts). IA was proven in 2.2% and probable in 97.8%. Patient characteristics were as follows: Median age 61 years (min 18.3, max 73.7); 21/46 (45.7%) female. Underlying disease distribution was: AML 50%, ALL 8.7%, lymphoma 19.6%, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia 10.9%, other 10.9%. Median duration of treatment was 24.5 days. Two (4.3%) patients with treatment durations ≤5 days were replaced for pharmacokinetic analysis, but evaluated for safety and efficacy. No dose-limiting toxicity was found by investigator or DSMB assessment. At end of treatment (EOT) complete plus partial response was achieved in the 4 cohorts in 4/9, 3/8, 6/9, 12/20 patients, i.e. 25/46 (54.3%) of the total population. Stable disease was achieved in 4 patients (8.7%), 17 (37%) patients failed treatment. Overall survival at 12 weeks was 76.1%. After a 12 week follow-up attributable mortality was 8.7%. Death due to malignancy occurred in 10.9%, to sepsis in 8.7%. Conclusions. In the first-line treatment of proven or probable invasive aspergillosis no dose-limiting toxicity of caspofungin at doses up to 200 mg QD was found. Complete plus partial response rates at EOT were 54.3% after dose-escalated caspofungin treatment, and thus in the range of the success rates previously reported with voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B. Twelve weeks after start of treatment the 23.9% overall mortality rate was lower than that found in the literature. Disclosures: Cornely: MSD: Consultancy, Honoraria. Vehreschild: MSD: Honoraria. Rüping: MSD: Honoraria. Silling: MSD: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lehrnbecher: MSD: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Ullmann: MSD: Honoraria. Groll: MSD: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Karthaus: MSD: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.