A small proportion of intensive care unit patients receiving antifungals have a proven invasive fungal infection. However, antifungal treatment has side effects such as toxicity, emergence of resistance, and high cost. Moreover, empirical antifungal treatment is still a matter for debate in these patients. Our study aimed to determine the incidence, associated factors, and safety of de-escalation of antifungals in immunocompromised critically ill patients.
This prospective observational study is conducted in 14 ICU, during a 6 months period. All immunocompromised patients hospitalized for \>5d and treated with antifungals for suspected or proven invasive candida infection will be included De-escalation is defined as a reduction in antifungal spectrum or stopping initial drugs within the 5 days following their initiation. The three antifungals considered in this study are from the narrowest to the widest spectrum: fluconazole, caspofungin and liposomal amphotericin B.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults immunocompromised patients hospitalized in intensive care units
* Predictable invasive mechanical ventilation duration \> 96h
* Signed consent (by patient or its representative)
* First antifungal treatment initiation in ICU for proven or suspected candida infection
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant or breast-feeding women.
* Fungal infection other than invasive candida
* Prophylactic antifungal treatment.
* Lack of informed consent
* Predictable mechanical ventilation duration less than 48 hours
* Patients discharged from ICU before the 5th day after initiation of TAF
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Percentage of patients with de-escalation of antifungal treatment
Timeframe: 5 days following start of antifungal treatment