Nebulised liposomal amphotericin-B: a promising strategy for preventing ABPA relapse. Issue 5 (24th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Yang; Lu, Hai-Wen; Xu, Jin-Fu
• Is Part Of: European respiratory journal. Volume 60:Issue 5(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11-24
• Subjects: Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiration -- Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01332-2022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0903-1936

Abstract

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a pulmonary disorder characterised by hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus spp . [1]. The global burden of ABPA has been estimated at 4.8 million [2]. Recurrent episodes of exacerbations could threaten patients' prognosis and one study has revealed that gene polymorphism could play a role [3]. Therefore, disease treatment emphasises reducing the risk of exacerbation. Long-term use of corticosteroids and itraconazole has been hampered by the emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus [4]. In recent years, nebulisation of liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) had been reported to reduce exacerbations of ABPA in a few cases [1, 5]. However, definitive evidence for this treatment in ABPA was still lacking, and whether the treatment was associated with superior outcomes remained unknown. We read with great interest the innovative study reported by Godet et al . [6], published in the European Respiratory Journal recently . This was the first randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of nebulised LAmB in ABPA; the data shown were of great importance, providing new insights into future treatment strategies for the disease. We congratulate the authors for performing the study successfully, which will be of great future benefit to patients. Nebulised liposomal amphotericin-B may play an important role in the treatment of ABPA. Studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy of nebulised liposomal amphotericin-B on ABPA relapse are urgently needed in the near future. https://bit.ly/3RpV7yK