Update on antifungal agents for paediatric patients

Abstract

Paediatric age groups display important differences in host biology, predisposing conditions, epidemiology and presentation of fungal infections relative to the adult population. During the past decade, several new antifungal agents have been developed. Although not all of these agents are yet approved for children, the paediatric development of antifungal agents has moved forwards in an exemplary manner. Invasive fungal infections will remain important causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised paediatric patients. Whereas the availability of new therapeutic options is an important advance, antifungal therapy has become increasingly complex, and a thorough understanding of the available antifungal armamentarium is essential for the successful management of the individual patient. This article provides an update on the pharmacokinetics, safety and dosing of antifungal agents in paediatric patients, and their clinical indications. © 2010 The Author Clinical Microbiology and Infection © 2010 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.