[Nephrotoxicity of amphotericin B].

Amphotericin B is widely used for severe life threatening fungal infections. Its use is limited by a dose-dependent nephrotoxicity manifested by a reduction in glomerular filtration rate and tubular dysfunction. An elevated creatinine associated with amphotericin B is not only a marker for renal dysfunction but is also linked to a substantial risk for the use of hemodialysis and a higher mortality rate; therefore amphotericin B nephrotoxicity is not a benign complication and its prevention is essential. Several manipulations have been proposed to try and minimize amphotericin B induced nephrotoxicity. Systematic hydration is crucial to minimize amphotericin B. Mannitol or intralipids administration were once suggested as protective based on anecdotal observational reports. Small prospective and randomized trials, however did not support a protective effect. Three new formulations have been developed in an attempts to improse both efficacy and tolerability: amphotericin B in lipid complex (ABLC, Abelcet). Colloidal dispersion (ABCD, Amphotec and amphotericin B liposome (Ambisome). Three prospectives randomized studies have clearly shown that Ambisome is less nephrotoxic than amphotericin B. Unfortunately the only randomized trial comparing Abelcet with amphotericin B is an open-label treatment of invasive candidiasis which was presented 5 years ago but never published as a full paper. Furthermore in a recent multicenter double-blind study it has been shown that Ambisome has a better safety profile than Abelcet with less chills/rigors and less nephrotocixity.