Objective: To investigate the effects and related factors of itraconazole in the treatment of invasive fungal infection (IFI) in the patients with blood diseases (BD).
Methods: A total of 156 BD patients with IFI treated with itraconazole in General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University from 2005 to 2008, were retrospectively analyzed.
Results: Of these patients, 92 were with underlying malignant BD, and 64 with non-malignant BD; 77 possible IFI, and others proven IFI. A total of 94 (63.5%) patients were responded to itraconazole successfully, while 54 (36.5%) failed. The underlying malignant BD, post-chemotherapy, neutrophil count less than 0.5×10(9)/L, positive fungus culture, and bacteria infection were related with the response to itraconazole significantly, while patient's age, application of other antibiotics, positive G test, IFI localization, haemoglobin level and platelet counts were not. Five patients was changed other anti-IFI therapy because of side effects, including gastrointestinal ill (3 cases with nausea or vomiting) and tachycardia (2 cases).
Conclusions: Itraconazole was effective and safe in the treatment of IFI in the patients with BD. Underlying malignant BD, agranulocytosis, bacteria infection, and delayed anti-IFI therapy might reduce itraconazole therapeutic effects.