Antifungal Stewardship

Abstract

Invasive fungal infections are commonly detected because of increasing number of immunocompromised patients. Emerging antifungal resistance in addition to high mortality and costs are the triggers for the implementation of antifungal stewardship (AFS) programmes. The aim of stewardship programmes is the quality improvement in health care and better outcomes for the patients rather than the costs. Optimizing the use of antifungal drugs to achieve the best outcomes while minimizing adverse events and the emergence of resistance are the accompanying goals. AFS is less established than antibacterial stewardship because of a narrower and more complex evidence base along with only a few number of available drugs. Rapid diagnostic tools and therapeutic drug monitoring are the key components of the AFS programmes. Available data show that AFS programmes are feasible, sustainable and well accepted and favor the implementation of AFS programmes in routine care.