Lipid-based amphotericin in pulmonary zygomycosis: safety and efficacy of high exposure in a renal allograft recipient

Abstract

Zygomycosis is associated with a high mortality in immunosuppressed patients. Treatment typically includes surgical resection and administration of intravenous amphotericin B. Success of treatment may require withdrawal of immunosuppression, with risk of graft loss. We report the successful treatment of invasive pulmonary zygomycosis, following initial surgical resection, using very high doses of lipid-based amphotericin B without withdrawal of immunosuppression. The patient received daily doses up to 10 mg/kg/day (51 g cumulatively) of lipid-based amphotericin B along with a brief course of intrapleural amphotericin. Despite immunosuppression not being withdrawn, the patient's kidney allograft function remained stable. We conclude that high doses of lipid-based amphotericin B can be safe and effective as part of the treatment regimen for pulmonary zygomycosis.