Successful Rapid Desensitization to Micafungin in a Pediatric Patient

Pediatr Allergy Immunol Pulmonol. 2021 Sep;34(3):106-108. doi: 10.1089/ped.2020.1204. Epub 2020 Jul 21.

Abstract

Introduction: Echinocandin antifungal medications including micafungin are being used more commonly in the treatment of invasive fungal infections in both pediatric and adult patients. Micafungin is also a first-line therapeutic option for candidemia and antifungal prophylaxis in a variety of clinical settings. Hypersensitivity reactions have not been well described; however, isolated cases have been reported. No cases of desensitization to echinocandins have been previously described. Case Presentation: In this report, we described a 14-year-old female with high-risk pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosed with pulmonary aspergillosis. She developed a hypersensitivity reaction to micafungin, which was deemed first-line therapy for the infection. A rapid intravenous desensitization protocol was successfully completed without reactions. The patient completed the remaining 2 months of therapy without reactions. Conclusion: This report outlines the first report of a successful desensitization to micafungin or any echinocandin. This is a safe method of completing antifungal therapy in a patient with echinocandin hypersensitivity and may be considered for other patients with micafungin hypersensitivities.

Keywords: desensitization; drug allergy; hypersensitivity reaction; micafungin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects
  • Candidemia* / drug therapy
  • Child
  • Echinocandins
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Micafungin
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Echinocandins
  • Micafungin