CLINICAL PREDICTORS OF AZOLE RESISTANCE, OUTCOME AND SURVIVAL FROM ESOPHAGEAL CANDIDIASIS IN AIDS PATIENTS

A retrospective review of AIDS-related oesophageal candidiasis was und ertaken to identify clinical features helpful in predicting response t o azole therapy and patient survival. Patients who had received daily azole prophylaxis against candidiasis were significantly less likely t o respond to azole therapy than those who had not (P<0.001). Patients who had lost >5% of their body weight in the 2 months before oesophage al candidiasis were less likely to respond to azoles than the others ( P<0.001). Amongst those who had not received daily azoles, patients wi th a CD4(+) cell count <25/mm(3) were less likely to respond to azole treatment (P=0.05). The median survival beyond oesophageal candidiasis was 18 months. Survival from oesophageal candidiasis was significantl y poorer for patients who did not respond to azole therapy but AIDS su rvival did not differ between azole responders and non-responders. Non -responders who had been taking daily azole prophylaxis had the poores t survival (median = 4 months).