Impact of Invasive Fungal Infection on Severe Sepsis Outcomes
Author Information
Author(s): Xie Guo-Hao, Fang Xiang-Ming, Fang Qiang, Wu Xin-Min, Jin Yu-Hong, Wang Jun-Lu, Guo Qu-Lian, Gu Miao-Ning, Xu Qiu-Ping, Wang Dong-Xin, Yao Shang-Long, Yuan Shi-Ying, Du Zhao-Hui, Sun Yun-Bo, Wang Hai-Hong, Wu Shui-Jing, Cheng Bao-Li
Primary Institution: The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University
Hypothesis
What is the impact of invasive fungal infection on the outcomes of critically ill surgical patients with severe sepsis?
Conclusion
Invasive fungal infection is common in patients with severe sepsis in surgical ICUs and is linked to higher hospital mortality, longer ICU and hospital stays, and increased medical costs.
Supporting Evidence
- 28.3% of patients with severe sepsis developed invasive fungal infection.
- Mechanical ventilation for more than 3 days was a significant risk factor for invasive fungal infection.
- Hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with invasive fungal infection compared to those without.
Takeaway
Fungal infections can make sick patients even sicker, leading to more deaths and longer hospital stays.
Methodology
A matched cohort study was conducted analyzing records from 10 university hospital surgical ICUs over one year, focusing on patients with severe sepsis and identifying invasive fungal infections.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the observational nature of the study and matching process.
Limitations
The study may have over-diagnosed invasive fungal infections due to the inclusion of patients without biopsy confirmation.
Participant Demographics
318 patients, including 206 men (64.8%) and 112 women (35.2%), aged 18 and older.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < 0.001 for hospital mortality comparison
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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