[Amphotericin B for treatment of fungal infections in 40 patients with malignant hematologic diseases].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the therapeutic effect and side effects of amphotericin B for fungal infections in patients with malignant hematologic diseases.

METHODS

40 patients (male 27, female 13; average age 35.5 years) with malignant hematologic diseases were given amphotericin B, 5-50 mg/d per day for 5-85 days (average time 21 days).

RESULTS

The clinical efficacy rate of amphotericin B was 52.5%, and the fungal elimination rate was 56.2%. Among the side effects, rigor and fever were present in 2.5% of the patients. Hypokalaemia was found in 12.5%, hepatotoxicity in 15.0% and nephrotoxicity in 15.0%.

CONCLUSION

As amphotericin B has a broad anti-fungal spectrum and relatively good efficacy, it is still a high-efficiency drug in treatment of systematical fungal infections. However, the use of drug is limited because of its many side effects. Our study indicates that if it is used properly and hepatic and renal function tests are carried out regularly, amphotericin B is a relatively safe and effective drug.