Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Voriconazole in AIDS Patients

Abstract Background The safety and efficacy of Voriconazole in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients is difficult to guarantee. In this study, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) of Voriconazole in AIDS patients was investigated with the aim to further verify the significance of voriconazole TDM in AIDS patients and to explore more strategies to improve individualized medication. Methods The data of AIDS patients who underwent voriconazole TDM in our hospital from May 2018 to August 2021 were collected. The basic information of patients, the results of voriconazole TDM, the individualized intervention, the affecting factors of voriconazole concentration were analyzed, as well as the relationship between voriconazole trough concentration and safety. Results A total of 46 tests of voriconazole TDM were performed in 28 AIDS patients. Only 57.14% patients reached the therapeutic range at first TDM, and 87.50% patients reached the therapeutic range after intervention based on first TDM. 21.43% patients develop voriconazole-related Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), and ADRs were mostly occurred when voriconazole concentration is above 5.0 µg/mL. Spearman correlation coefficient rs was calculated to be 0.729 for voriconazole trough concentration and the incidence of ADRs, exhibiting a significant, positive linear correlation (P=0. 017). 50% patients had polypharmacy and drug interactions are common. For example, rifampicin can significantly reduce the plasma concentration of voriconazole. Multiple linear regression analysis showed Hypoproteinemia was a significant factor affecting voriconazole trough concentration(P=0.006). Conclusion AIDS patients usually have a low attainment rate of voriconazole trough concentration after initiation of standard dosing regimen. The affecting factors seem multifactorial and complex, of which hypoproteinemia is of great significance. Meanwhile, we need to be alert to the effects of drug interactions. The incidence of voriconazole related ADRs is high, mostly occurring when voriconazole concentration is above 5.0 µg/mL. Therefore, TDM can provide meaningful guidance for dosage optimization of voriconazole, and the dosage adjustment method in Chinese Guideline is applicable for the population of AIDS patients.