Hospital-acquired Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Patients with Liver Failure
Author Information
Author(s): Li Dan, Chen Liang, Ding Xian, Tao Ran, Zhang Yong Xin, Wang Jie Fei
Primary Institution: Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center affiliated to Fudan University
Hypothesis
What are the clinical presentations and outcomes of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with hepatic failure?
Conclusion
A high index of suspicion is required for early IPA diagnosis in patients with hepatic failure.
Supporting Evidence
- Nine patients had a definitive diagnosis of IPA and three had probable IPA.
- Caspofungin was found to reduce mortality due to IPA.
- The median time to diagnosis was 8 days after admission.
Takeaway
Doctors need to be very careful and look closely for a lung infection called IPA in patients with liver problems, because it can be hard to spot.
Methodology
A retrospective study reviewing medical records of patients with hepatic failure for lung infections.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient selection and diagnosis due to the retrospective design.
Limitations
The study is limited by its retrospective nature and small sample size.
Participant Demographics
{"age_mean":41.9,"male_percentage":87.5,"causes_of_hepatic_failure":{"HBV_infection":11,"HBV_and_HDV_coinfection":1}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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