Micafungin for Candida infections in Slovenia and Romania: A multicenter, observational, prospective study

Abstract

Introduction: An echinocandin, such as micafungin, is recommended as first-line treatment for invasive Candida infections in immunocompromised patients. This multicenter, observational, prospective, non- interventional study evaluated the real-world use of micafungin in clinical practice in Slovenia and Romania, as this remains unexplored. Methodology: The primary endpoint was evaluation of micafungin use, including rationale for prescription, treatment duration, and daily dose. Secondary endpoints included recordings of patient baseline characteristics and evaluations of efficacy and safety. Across 11 centers in two countries, 118 patients (18 children [< 16 years] and 100 adults [≥ 16 years]) received micafungin for the first time according to their clinic’s standard practice. Results: Micafungin was prescribed for treatment in 57.6% of patients and for prophylaxis in 40.7% of patients. The median (range) treatment duration was 9.0 (0 – 54) days and 13.0 (2 – 6)] days, respectively. The median dose of micafungin was higher than recommended for children receiving prophylaxis or treatment for invasive candidiasis and for adults receiving prophylaxis. Fever was the most commonly observed clinical sign at baseline (16 children [88.9%] and 31 adults [31%]) and hematologic malignancy was the most frequent primary diagnosis at admission (11 children [61.1%] and 40 adults [40%]). Candida species were the most commonly identified causal agents of invasive fungal infections (2 children [11.1%] and 48 adults [48%]). Conclusions: The efficacy and safety profiles of micafungin use in Slovenia and Romania based on clinician’s own experiences in local clinical practice were consistent with those reported in other real-world studies.