Mycoses in pediatric patients

Abstract

For more than 40 years, there has been limited progress in the treatment of invasive fungal infections. There are now numerous nuances to choosing the appropriate antifungal agent. Important advantages have been achieved in understanding the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of these agents. One of the most important aspects for successful management of pediatric invasive fungal infections is an understanding of the differences in the pharmacokinetics of the drugs in children and adults to offer optimal dosing strategies. Unfortunately there have been few antifungal studies conducted in children. Consequently most information for the pediatrician has been extrapolated from adult data. The breadth of antifungal data in children is expanding, however, with newer studies underway. Through the efforts of dedicated clinicians and collaboration, pediatric indications and dosing strategies will eventually be discovered that directly benefit pediatric patients.