980. Universal Lifelong Fungal Prophylaxis and Risk of Coccidioidomycosis in Lung Transplant Recipients Living in an Endemic Area

Abstract

Background Previous studies suggested that 6-12 months of universal or targeted azole prophylaxis is effective in preventing coccidioidomycosis for various organ transplant recipients. However, limited reports have described outcomes with longer prophylactic durations or using mold-active azoles in lung transplant recipients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of coccidioidomycosis and tolerability of universal lifelong azole therapy in this high-risk patient population. Methods This study was an IRB-approved, retrospective cohort study of lung transplant recipients transplanted from January 2013 through December 2018. Adult recipients who were initiated on azole antifungal prophylaxis were eligible for inclusion. Recipients who died or received pre-emptive or definitive treatment for coccidioidomycosis during the transplant admission, or who received a previous transplant were excluded from the study. Outcomes were assessed through December 2019 or until the time of coccidioidomycosis diagnosis, death, second transplant, or date lost to follow-up. Results Of 544 lung transplants completed between 2013-2018, 493 patients were included with a mean age at transplant of 62 ± 11; 57.3% were male, 88.6% were white, and 77.1% developed post-transplant diabetes. The majority of patients ( > 70%) lived in Arizona or California pre-transplant and at 1-year post-transplant, and most patients had primary transplant indication of COPD and/or pulmonary fibrosis (~75%). One proven coccidioidomycosis infection and one new asymptomatic seropositivity for Coccidioides (incidence 0.2% each) occurred during the study period with median follow-up duration of 31 months. Azole therapy changes were common but permanent discontinuation was rare (1.4%) with reasons for azole switch varying among the different agents as summarized in Table 1. Table 1. Comparison of azole antifungal exposures and reasons for discontinuation Conclusion Lifelong azole antifungal prophylaxis was well-tolerated and effectively protected lung transplant recipients at an Arizona transplant center against coccidioidomycosis. Thus, in the absence of documented intolerance or contraindication, universal lifelong azole antifungal prophylaxis should be considered for all lung transplant recipients residing in a coccidioidomycosis-endemic area. Disclosures Michael D. Nailor, PharmD, BCPS (AQ-ID), AbbVie (Consultant)Merck (Consultant)Shionogi (Consultant) Rajat Walia, MD, Astellas (Consultant, Speaker)

Update on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis

“…Both universal and targeted programs aimed at patients with positive serologic results or a history of Coccidioides spp. infection demonstrated encouraging results [ 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ]. However, no consensus exists regarding drug type or duration [ 69 , 70 ].…”

“…infection demonstrated encouraging results [ 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ]. However, no consensus exists regarding drug type or duration [ 69 , 70 ]. Further research is needed to define optimal prophylaxis strategies among certain patient groups.…”