RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Voriconazole in the treatment of fungal eye infections: a review of current literature
JF British Journal of Ophthalmology
JO Br J Ophthalmol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
SP 871
OP 878
DO 10.1136/bjo.2007.136515
VO 92
IS 7
A1 S M Hariprasad
A1 W F Mieler
A1 T K Lin
A1 W E Sponsel
A1 J R Graybill
YR 2008
UL http://bjo.bmj.com/content/92/7/871.abstract
AB Background: Voriconazole has an important role to play in the prophylaxis and management of fungal endophthalmitis and keratitis. New-generation triazoles, including voriconazole, posaconazole and ravuconazole, have been shown in laboratory studies and clinical experience to have very good safety profiles with few side effects. Fungal eye infections, while not common in temperate climates, have been notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat, and generally result in protracted therapy with poor final outcomes. Current treatment options are far from optimal.Aims: This paper will review studies and clinical case reports published in the ophthalmic literature that address the safety of these drugs in the eye, penetration and concentration in ocular tissues and media, and efficacy in treating common pathogens implicated in fungal keratitis and endophthalmitis.Conclusions: Over 40 clinical case reports of treatment with voriconazole suggest that it may be used safely and effectively against a broad range of fungal pathogens.