Nephrotoxicity of amphotericin B administered to dogs in a fat emulsion versus five percent dextrose solution

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether administration of amphotericin B in a fat emulsion solution would reduce the nephrotoxicity of amphotericin B, compared with that associated with administration of amphotericin B in 5% dextrose solution.

Design: Prospective controlled study.

Animals: 2 groups of 5 adult male Beagles.

Procedure: Dogs received amphotericin B (1 mg/kg of body weight/d) prepared in 5% dextrose solution or in 20% fat emulsion daily for 6 doses. Serum biochemical analysis, CBC, urinalysis, and endogenous creatinine clearance was performed on days 0 and 8, 2 days after the last dose of amphotericin B. On day 8, dogs were euthanatized and gross necropsies were performed. Unbiased semiquantitative scoring of the kidneys for the degree of injury was performed by use of light microscopy.

Results: There were no significant differences in serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, or potassium concentrations, urine specific gravity, endogenous creatinine clearance, or degree of tubulo-interstitial injury between the 2 groups.

Conclusion: In this model, the degree of nephrotoxicity of amphotericin B was not significantly different for dogs receiving the drug in a fat emulsion versus its administration in 5% dextrose.