Bp. Sawaya et al., AMPHOTERICIN-B NEPHROTOXICITY - THE ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES OF ALTERED MEMBRANE-PROPERTIES, Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 6(2), 1995, pp. 154-164
Amphotericin B (AmB) has been in clinical use for more than 30 yr but
has remained the most effective drug for treatment of serious fungal i
nfections. Its use has increased in recent years, as the result of inc
reases in aggressive intensive care support and increased numbers of i
mmunocompromised patients. Nephrotoxic manifestations are common, and
this is the major factor limiting the clinical use of the drug. A numb
er of recent studies have contributed to a better understanding of the
mechanism by which AmB exerts its nephrotoxic effect, AmB alters cell
membrane permeability and probably as a consequence alters tubular an
d vascular smooth muscle cell function, leading to various tubular tra
nsport defects and vasoconstriction. Decreased RBF appears to play a m
ajor role in AmB-induced reduction GFR, and recurrent ischemia may be
the basis of permanent structural nephrotoxic effects. Salt loading is
the only measure proven by controlled prospective study to ameliorate
AmB nephrotoxicity in humans, Liposomal AmB and the formulation of an
emulsion of AmB in lipid may provide a protective effect based on alt
ering the affinity of AmB for mammalian cell membranes, while preservi
ng high efficacy against fungal cells. However, further studies are ne
eded to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these new AmB formulations
.