Immediate hypersensitivity reaction following liposomal amphotericin-B (AmBisome) infusion

Liposomal amphotericin-B (AmBisome) is now becoming first choice for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) patients due to high efficacy and less toxicity. The reported incidence of hypersensitivity reactions to liposomal amphotericin-B (AmBisome), especially during therapy, is very ra...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nath, Proggananda, Basher, Ariful, Harada, Michiyo, Sarkar, Santana, Selim, Shahjada, Maude, Richard J, Noiri, Eisei, Faiz, Abul
Format: Online
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publications 2014
Online Access:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4232346/
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Summary:Liposomal amphotericin-B (AmBisome) is now becoming first choice for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) patients due to high efficacy and less toxicity. The reported incidence of hypersensitivity reactions to liposomal amphotericin-B (AmBisome), especially during therapy, is very rare. We report two patients with kala-azar: one developed breathing difficulties and hypotension followed by shock and the other had facial angioedema with chest tightness during treatment. Both patients were managed with immediate action of injection: adrenaline, diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone. In our experience, AmBisome can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions that warrant proper support and close supervision.