Micafungin as antifungal prophylaxis in non-transplanted haemotological patients

INTRODUCTION: Fungal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the haematological patients. These infections are mainly due to Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. Mortality by these infections is high, but rates have descended in the latest series due to better antifungal agents. Echinocandins are, in vitro, very active against Candida and Aspergillus spp. The objective of the study is to analyse the efficacy and safety of micafungin in the antifungal prophylaxis of haematological patients on chemotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicentre, observational retrospective study was performed in 7 Haematology Departments in Spain. Patients admitted to these departments with chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment, and who had received antifungal prophylaxis with micafungin between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2014 were included. RESULTS: There were 5 cases of probable or proven fungal infection (4.8%) according to the 2008 EORTC criteria: 2 proven, 3 probable. The types of fungal infection were 3 aspergillosis and 2 candidiasis. There were no drop-outs from the prophylaxis with micafungin due to toxicity. CONCLUSION: Micafungin is an antifungal agent which, used in prophylaxis, has demonstrated good efficacy and an excellent toxicity profile, making it an apparently interesting option in patients requiring antifungal prophylaxis during their hospitalisation episode.