Transplant Trial Watch

Role of liposomal amphotericin B prophylaxis after liver transplantation compared with fluconazole for high-risk patients. Impact on infections and mortality within one year.

Perrella A, Esposito C, et al.

Transplantation Proceedings 2012; 44(7):1977-1981.


Aims
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B versus fluconazole for chemoprophylaxis among cohorts of high-risk liver transplant patients. The impact on immunosuppressant trough levels and nonfungal infectious episodes during the first year after transplantation was also assessed.

Interventions
Amphotericin B (3 mg/kg/d) or fluconazole (800 mg loading dose and thereafter 400 mg/d according to renal parameters and immunosuppressant trough levels) for at least 7 to 14 days. All patients received a calcineurin inhibitor, everolimus and steroids (0-3 months).

Participants
44 orthotopic liver transplant recipients.

Outcomes
Incidence of bacterial infections, ICU stay, creatinine clearance and acute rejection.

Follow-up
12 months

CET Conclusions
In this small underpowered study there was no incidence of a fungal infection with two methods of prophylaxis but there was perhaps a lower incidence of a bacterial infections in the patients randomised to receive amphotericin B. for chemoprophylaxis.

Jadad score
1

Data analysis
Per protocol analysis

Allocation concealment
No

Trial registration
Not reported

Funding source
Not reported