Posaconazole works better than itraconazole and voriconazole against ABPA amongst Cystic Fibrosis patients

A recently published research paper suggests that Posaconazole works better than itraconazole and voriconazole against
allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

ABPA patients tend to have a hypersensitive response to Aspergillus species which results in inflammation, airway destruction and bronchiectasis. Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are at risk of ABPA which then speeds up lung function decline. The current ‘gold standard’ treatment is prednisolone to reduce inflammation. Azoles have been used effectively as steroid alternatives but have various side effects and tolerance issues.

In the newly published paper the authors wanted to know if posaconazole, which is known to be less toxic and better absorbed than other azoles, was more effective at treating ABPA.

They analysed data from 596 CF patients, and reviewed the specific Aspergillus IgE levels and azole levels in blood samples. 32 patients were identified and included in the analysis. 11 had itraconazole alone, 12 had two different azoles and 9 received all three azoles. In total, 30 received itraconazole, 13 received voriconazole, 18 received posaconazole.

The authors found IgE levels to be significantly reduced when posaconazole was used, but not the other azoles, suggesting that monitoring posaconazole levels and altering the dose given to the patient to attain greater serum levels of IgE gives improved blood test results in ABPA patients.

Want to know more? Read the paper here!