Current Usage and Prospect of New Antifungal agents in Korea / 감염과화학요법

ABSTRACT

The incidence of invasive fungal infections has been increased worldwide along with the increasing population at high risk for fungal infection. However, no data is available for the current status of usage of antifungal agents in Korea. We described the usage of antifungal agents including second-generation triazole and echinocandins that have been recently introduced. Data from Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service were analyzed. Estimated total DDDs (daily defined doses)/1,000 patient-day of parenteral antifungal agents were 187.6 in 2008 and 143.2 in 2007 and annual rates of increase was 20% to 30% since 2004. Indeed, increased percentage of newer agents were observed. Changes of the treatment guidelines and the regulations for insurance coverage are considered to influence the trend of antifungal usage.