Underlying diseases were lung cancer (n = 2), Hodgkin’s disease (n = 1) and thoracic trauma (n = 1). The treatment protocol consisted of systemic anti-fungal treatment with caspofungin and voriconazole, intrapleural application of amphotericin B and surgical debridement with secondary closure of the leaking bronchial stump. Two patients with chronic Aspergillus pleural empyema
had been pretreated with itraconazole and/or amphotericin B. Two patients were treated with a thoracostoma. Two patients had undergone pneumonectomy for previously diagnosed pulmonary aspergillosis. Caspofungin was given for 13–60 days, Voriconazole for up to 100 days. Surgical debridement was performed in all cases and in two cases the created thoracostoma was closed during a second surgical procedure. Aspergillus PCR using blood samples, bronchoalveolar selleckchem lavage or aspiration fluid was used for monitoring. All four patients had complete clinical and microbiological remission.
Our case series shows promising results and underscores the importance of a combined therapeutic approach for Aspergillus pleural empyema consisting of anti-fungal treatment and surgery. Voriconazole and caspofungin seem to be a suitable combination for this infection. “
“Otomycosis is frequently seen in Shanghai and is a challenging problem due to recurrence and resistance to therapy. The aims of this study were to determine the pattern of fungal agents, sex distribution, clinical Small molecule library presentation, predisposing factors, complications and treatment outcomes of otomycosis. Retrospective review of 108 patients with a clinical diagnosis of otomycosis treated from September 2009 to September 2010 in otolaryngology outpatient department. It has been found to be more prevalent in female patients than male patients with a sex ratio (F : M) of 2 : 1. Aspergillus niger (54.78%) followed by Candida albicans (16.52%) were the dominant fungi. Pruritus and otorrhea were
the most common presenting complaints. The predisposing factors included frequent scratching Adenosine triphosphate of the external ear canal (79.63%), taking ototopical and/or oral antimicrobials (24.07%), diabetes (11.11%) and otologic procedures (7.41%). Residual disease was observed in 9.26% and recurrence in 8.89% of the subjects. Topical Fluconazole ear drops and mechanical debridement of visible fungal elements in the external auditory canal were all relatively effective with 83.33% resolution rate on initial application. The diagnosis of otomycosis requires vigilance from clinicians given its non-specific symptoms. Sometimes mycological examinations are necessary. Treatment regimens such as topical fluconazole coupled with mechanical debridement are generally effective. However, recurrence is not uncommon and eradication of disease can be particularly difficult in patients with diabetes and a mastoid cavity. “
“Participation in competitive sports is popular and widely encouraged worldwide.