Objective To retrospectively analyze the clinical features of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in intensive care unit (ICU), so as to improve the level of clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods A total of 81 patients diagnosed as IPA from March, 2017 to March, 2022 in the ICU of The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China were selected as infection group. A total of 81 non-IPA patients with pulmonary infection and Aspergillus negative sputum culture were selected as the control group. The host factors, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Assessment Ⅱ score at admission, underlying diseases, clinical symptoms and signs, relevant laboratory test results, and lung CT findings were compared between the two groups. Univariate analysis and multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis were used to identify the risk factors for the occurrence of pulmonary aspergillosis in IPA patients in ICU. At the same time, the types of aspergillus in the IPA group and the outcomes of the two groups at 28 days after ICU admission were analyzed. Results Of the 81 IPA patients, 4 were proven diagnosed and 77 were putative diagnosed. IPA patients were mainly infected with Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Symptoms and signs such as fever, cough and expectoration, dyspnea and pulmonary rales occurred in both groups. The level of procalcitonin in IPA group was higher than that in non-IPA group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.016). The positive rate of serum galactomannan antigen test (GM test) in the IPA group was higher than that in the non-IPA group, and the differences was statistically significant (P=0.000). The incidence of pulmonary imaging cavities in IPA group was higher than that in non-IPA group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.022). Univariate analysis showed that central venous catheterization, septic shock, complete parenteral nutrition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and immunosuppression were risk factors for IPA (P<0.05); Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that complete parenteral nutrition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and immunosuppression were independent risk factors for IPA (P<0.05). The 28-day fatality rate in IPA group was higher than that in non-IPA group (55.6% vs. 34.6%, P=0.007). Conclusions IPA patients have no specific clinical symptoms and signs, and are mainly infected with Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus; GM test has guiding significance for the diagnosis of IPA. Serum GM test and pulmonary imaging have cavity findings that are helpful for the diagnosis of IPA. Patients with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunosuppression, or complete parenteral nutrition need to be on high alert for the possibility of IPA during ICU stay.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical characteristics, prognosis and predisposing factors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated pulmonary mucormycosis (CAPM), so as to improve people's understanding of the disease.MethodsFrom from September 1, 2021 to July 31, 2024, 11 patients with CAPM who were hospitalized in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University were retrospectively collected, and 22 patients with non-CAPM were included after matching according to the ratio of 1:2. The clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, imaging features, tracheoscopy, treatment and prognosis of the two groups were analyzed. ResultsThe average age of patients in CAPM group was 59.5 ± 10.6 years, with 81.8% of males; diabetes mellitus (90.9%) was the most common complication. In CAPM group, the median time after the occurrence of mucor after COVID-19 was 13.0 (10.0, 24.0) days. The utilization rate of glucocorticoids in the CAPM group was 63.6% (7/11), which was significantly higher than that in non-CAPM group [13.6% (3/22)], and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P=0.006). The C-reactive protein level in CAPM group was significantly higher at 93.90 (75.00, 129.00) mg/L than that in non-CAPM group at 26.10 (4.83, 114.03) mg/L, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.040). The CD4+T lymphocyte counts and B lymphocyte counts in CAPM group were 223.00 (66.75, 336.75)/µL and 32.00 (21.75, 55.25)/µL, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the non-CAPM group 394.00 (206.00, 610.00)/µL and 112.50 (56.00, 159.25)/µL, with statistical differences between the groups (P=0.040, P=0.040). In terms of imaging, the main imaging findings were the involvement of multiple lobes in both groups. 63.6% (7/11) of patients with pulmonary aspergillosis in CAPM group were significantly higher than those(4/22, 18.2%) in non-CAPM group (P=0.017). The incidence of dyspnea in CAPM group was significantly higher than that in non-CAPM group (90.9% vs. 50.0%, 0.027%).ConclusionThe proportion of glucocorticoid use and the proportion of pulmonary aspergillosis in CAPM group are significantly higher, and they are in a more serious state of immunosuppression. Once combined with pulmonary aspergillus , the mortality rate is higher.
Objective To investigate the blood clotting dysfunction of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis(IPA)and the therapeutic effect of low molecular hepafin in a mouse model．Methods The neutropenic IPA mouse model was constructed by being given cyclophosphamide to depress immunologic function，and then intranasally challenged with Aspergillus fumigatus conidia．(1)Blood clotting function were assessed by bleeding time，clotting time，platelet count and antithrombase-III(AT-III)activity．Seventy-two mice were randomly assigned into 4 groups．Group A received only normal saline．group B received normal saline to substitute the cycloph0sphamide，and the rest equal to group D．Group C received normal saline to substitute the AspergiUus fumigatus conidia suspension，and the rest equal to group D．Group D(model group)received cyclophosphamide(intraperitoneally，150 mg／kg，d4，d1)and Aspergillus fumigatus conidia suspension(intranasally，40 μL／mouse，1．5×10∧5／mL，d0)．Six mice were randomly sacrificed in each group for analysis of blood clotting function per 24 h after inoculation for 3 times．(2)Therapeutic effect of low molecular heparin was determined by survival time of IPA mice．One hundred and eighteen mice were randomly assigned into 4 groups after challenged with 6×10 conidia／mouse and received one of the following regimens daily from dl to d7 after challenge，vehicle(group E，n=29)，low molecular heparin(group F，n=30，subcutaneous injection，1000 IU／kg，qd×7 d)，amphotericin B(group G，n=29，intraperitoneal，1 m kg，qd×7 d)，low molecular heparin plus amphotericin B(group H，n=30)．Mice survivals were recorded once daily to d21 after innoculation．Results (1)AT-III activity of group D decreased significantly 24 h after innoculation．Bleeding time and clotting time decreased significantly and AT—III activity decreased sequentially 48 h after innoculation．The platelet decreased significantly 72 h after innoculation，and bleeding time shoaened further．Clotting time was longer than that 0f 48 h．but still shorter than norm al and AT-III activity decreased sequentially．There were significant differences when comparing group D with group A，B and C(all Plt;0.01)．And there was no significant difference between group A，B and C(all Pgt;0．05)．(2)Survival analysis indicated that the therapeutic effect of low molecular hepafin plus amphotericin B was better than that of amphotericin B or low molecular heparin alone．No therapeutic effect was found in group F(group E vs group F，Pgt;0．05，both group E and group F compared with group H，P lt;0．01．Group H vs group G，P lt;0．05．Both group E and group F compared with group G，P lt;0．05)．Conclusions The results suggest that there is blood clotting dysfunction in IPA mice and AT—III activity may be an early index to monitor the disfunction．Compared with the therapeutic effect of amphoterinein B alone，low molecular hepafin plus amphoterincin B can prolong survival of neutropenic IPA mice
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatments of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). MethodsThe clinical data of four cases of ABPA diagnosed in our department between 2009 and 2014 were analyzed. The related literature was also reviewed. ResultsABPA tends to occur in people with chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. The main clinical manifestations are wheezing, fever, cough, and sputum production. Laboratory examinations include immediate Aspergillus skin test reactivity, elevated total serum IgE and Aspergillus specific IgE and IgG antibodies, and peripheral blood eosinophilia. Radiological findings include recurrent chest roentgenographic infiltrates and central bronchiectasis. Treatments involve corticosteroids and antifungal therapy with itraconazole. ConclusionsABPA is easy to misdiagnosis clinically. It should be considered in patients with poor controlled asthma and asthmatic patients with acute pulmonary infiltrates. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can minimize lung injury from ABPA and improve outcomes.
Objective To analyse the clinical characteristics of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Methods The clinical data of 26 patients diagnosed as ABPA from September 2016 to February 2018 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among 26 patients with ABPA, 15 were female, 11 were male, with a mean age of (47.6±11.7) years. Before the diagnosis of ABPA, 13 cases had been misdiagnosed as bronchial asthma, 8 as bronchiectasis, 8 as pulmonary infection, 3 as tuberculosis. All patients had cough, sputum production, wheeze in 2, fever in 5, hemoptysis in 4, chest pain in 4, dyspnea in 2. The wheezing sound were heard in 20 patients and wet rales were heard in 4 cases. All patients had increased total IgE level ［median 5 000 (654 – 5 337)IU/ml］. The eosinophil counts were increased in 23 patients ［median 0.99 (0.50 – 3.69)×109/L］ and percentages of peripheral blood eosinophil were elevated to (0.36±0.10). Skin prink test was positive in 10 cases. All patients had increased Aspergillus fumigatus specific IgE ［median 15.1 (0.4 – 29.6)kU/L). Chest X-ray showed fleeting consolidation. Chest CT showed multiple pachy, central cylindrical bronchiectasis, mucous plugging, band linear or glover-finger opacities. Sixteen cases underwent bronchoscopy, out of them 5 cases underwent transbronchial lung biopsy, 2 cases underwent CT guided percutaneous lung biopsy. Fourteen cases were treated with oral corticosteroids combined with antifungal therapy. Conclusions ABPA is a relatively rare and without specific clinical manifestations. In the early period, it is mostly misdiagnosed as bronchial asthma, so it is necessary to improve the early diagosis of ABPA and give appropriate treatment. Regular follow-up should be made to prevent the recurrence.
Objective To analyze the risk factors of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with interstitial pneumonia. Methods The clinical data of 770 cases of interstitial pneumonia admitted between December 2010 and August 2015 were collected. Among them, 46 cases were combined with IPA and 724 cases were not ombined with IPA. The clinical data was analyzed to explore the risk factors of IPA in patients with interstitial pneumonia. Results Univariate analysis showed that in the aspects of age (t=3.348, P=0.001), serum albumin level (t=8.381, P < 001), broad-spectrum antibiotic used within 3 months (χ2=87.157, P < 001), long-term administration of glucocorticoid (χ2=57.462, P < 001), long-term administration of immunosuppressive agents (χ2=31.715, P < 001), imaging in UIP type (χ2=20.632, P < 001), diabetes mellitus (χ2=9.737, P=0.002) and heart failure (χ2=9.300, P=0.002), there were significant differences between two groups. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, broad-spectrum antibiotic used within 3 months (OR=4.773, P < 001), long-term administration of glucocorticoid (OR=9.195, P < 001), long-term administration of immunosuppressive agents (OR=2.662, P=0.046), imaging in UIP type (OR=5.725, P < 001), and diabetes mellitus (OR=3.847, P=0.003) were found to be the risk factors of IPA in patients with interstitial pneumonia. Serum albumin level was negatively correlated with the occurrence of IPA in patients with interstitial pneumonia. Conclusions Various factors contribute to the occurrence of IPA in patients with interstitial pneumonia. Miscellaneous appropriate measures should be taken to reduce the incidence of IPA.
ObjectiveTo investigate the chest radiographic and computed tomographic manifestations of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). MethodWe retrospectively analyzed the chest radiographic and computed tomographic manifestations of 20 ABPA patients treated between December 2005 and December 2013. ResultsChest radiograph showed that there were 4 negative cases, 14 cases of solid mass, 10 cases of increased and disorder of bronchovascular shadows, and 5 cases of bronchiectasis. Chest computed tomography showed that there were one negative case, 18 cases of bronchiectasis, 17 cases of central bronchiectasis among which central and peripheral bronchi were involved in 6 cases and 1 case presented as pure peripheral bronchiectasis, 11 cases of tree-in-bud signs, 6 cases of mucous embolism, 8 cases of solid mass, 5 cases of ground-glass opacity, 4 cases of pleural thickening, 3 cases of pleural effusion, and 2 cases of atelectasis. ConclusionsFor asthma and cystic fibrosis patients, central bronchiectasis on chest CT indicates the diagnosis of ABPA, but it cannot be considered as a characteristic feature. Bronchiectasis combined with high attenuation mucus may be a characteristic feature of ABPA although it is rare.
ObjectiveTo analyze risk factors, clinical features and outcome factors of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in severe H1N1 patients so as to achieve early diagnosis and improve prognosis.MethodsFifty severe H1N1 influenza patients with IPA admitted to West China Hospital and 64 severe H1N1 influenza patients in the same period matched by age and gender were collected. Patient characteristics, laboratory examinations, radiological imaging, microbiology data and prognostic indicators were involved into analysis.ResultsThe mortality of severe H1N1 influenza patients with IPA was significantly higher than those without IPA (51.6% vs. 32.0%, P=0.036). However, the incidence of IPA in severe H1N1 influenza patients was not related with the patient's age, gender, underlying disease, glucocorticoid use and CD4+ T cell count. Serum C-reactive protein level [(125.0±88.8) vs. (86.1±80.1) mg/L, P=0.038] and interleukin-6 level [(148.7±154.2) vs. (81.7±110.2) μg/L, P=0.039] of severe H1N1 influenza patients with IPA were significantly higher than those without IPA. Besides, more patients presented with fever (81.3% vs. 64.0%, P=0.038) and dyspnea (51.6% vs. 24.0%, P=0.003) in severe H1N1 patients with IPA. The radiological imaging of severe H1N1 patients with IPA were mostly characterized by combining with nodular changes on the basis of ground-glass opacity.ConclusionThe occurrence of IPA in severe H1N1 influenza patients may be related with pulmonary excessive inflammatory response secondary to viral invasion rather than basic condition of the patient.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features of patients who went through Nocardia co-infection with Aspergillus in lung.MethodsClinical data of 3 pulmonary nocardiosis patients complicated with aspergillosis from China-Japan Hospital during June 2015 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Nine related literatures found at PubMed were reviewed and they all were case report. No Chinese literature was found at Wanfang data and Chinese Journal Fulltext Database.ResultsAll of the 3 patients were diagnosed as pulmonary nocardiosis by etiological detection, at the same time meeting the diagnostic criteria of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Two cases were infected with Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus was not detected in the third case, but the galactomannan of serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid significantly increased.ConclusionPulmonary nocardiosis complicated with aspergillosis trends to occur in immunocompromised patients, and pathogen detection is important for diagnosis.
Objective Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is characterized by anexaggerated reaction to airway colonization aspergillus which affects patients with underlying diseases such asbronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis or other respiratory diseases. ABPA exhibit significant heterogeneity due to theunderlying diseases. The clinical features of patients with ABPA were analyzed retrospectively, so as to explore theimpact of underlying diseases on clinical characteristics. Methods The clinical data of hospitalized patients diagnosed with ABPA from January 2010 to September 2019 in Peking University People's Hospital were reviewed for retrospective analysis. Results A total of 40 ABPA patients were enrolled. Of which 8 cases (20.0%) were previously diagnosed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or bronchiectasis, named non-asthma group; while the other 32 cases met the diagnosis criteria of asthma, named asthma group. The non-asthma ABPA patients had a shorter course [78 (6 - 300) months vs. 192 (39 - 480) months, P=0.02], a higher percentage of peripheral blood neutrophils (79.9%±12.5% vs. 68.1%±18.1%, P=0.01) and higher score of emphysema [2 (0 - 2) vs. 0 (0 - 1), P=0.02] than the asthma group. Conclusions There is no significant difference in clinical and radiological characteristics between ABPA patients without asthma and those with asthma. The diagnosis of ABPA should also be considered when patients with chronic pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis have aggravation of dyspnea, increase of eosinophils in peripheral blood and typical imaging features such as mucus attenuation.