Introduction to the updated Australasian consensus guidelines for the management of invasive fungal disease and use of antifungal agents in the haematology/oncology setting, 2021. (22nd December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chang, Christina C.; Blyth, Christopher C.; Chen, Sharon C‐A.; Khanina, Anna; Morrissey, C. Orla; Roberts, Jason A.; Thursky, Karin A.; Worth, Leon J.; Slavin, Monica A.
• Other Names: Slavin Monica A. investigator.; Thursky Karin A. investigator.; Roberts Jason A. investigator.; Worth Leon J. investigator.; Chang Christina C. investigator.; Chen Sharon C‐A investigator.; Morrissey C. Orla investigator.; Blyth Christopher C. investigator.; Khanina Anna investigator.
• Is Part Of: Internal medicine journal. Volume 51(2021)Supplement 7
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2021-12-22
• Subjects: antifungal therapy -- invasive fungal disease -- treatment guideline -- antifungal prophylaxis -- haematological malignancy -- Aspergillus; Medicine -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1111/imj.15585
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1444-0903

Abstract

Abstract: This article introduces the fourth update of the Australian and New Zealand consensus guidelines for the management of invasive fungal disease and use of antifungal agents in the haematology/oncology setting. These guidelines are comprised of nine articles as presented in this special issue of the Internal Medicine Journal . This introductory chapter outlines the rationale for the current update and the steps taken to ensure implementability in local settings. Given that 7 years have passed since the previous iteration of these guidelines, pertinent contextual changes that impacted guideline content and recommendations are discussed, including the evolution of invasive fungal disease (IFD) definitions. We also outline our approach to guideline development, evidence grading, review and feedback. Highlights of the 2021 update are presented, including expanded scope to provide more detailed coverage of common and emerging fungi such as Aspergillus and Candida species, and emerging fungi, and a greater focus on the principles of antifungal stewardship. We also introduce an entirely new chapter dedicated to helping healthcare workers convey important concepts related to IFD, infection prevention and antifungal therapy, to patients.