Invasive aspergillosis in liver transplant recipients: epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes in 116 cases

The predictors of fungal infections after liver transplantation and the influence of fungal infections on outcomes

The primary objective of this study was to assess the incidence, timing, risk factors of fungal infections (FIs) within 3 months after liver transplantation (LT). The secondary objective was to evaluate the impact of FIs on outcomes. Four hundred and ten patients undergoing LT from January 2015 until January 2023 in a tertiary university hospital were included in the present retrospective cohort study to investigate the risk factors of FIs and to assess the impacts of FIs on the prognosis of LT recipients using logistic regression. The incidence of FIs was 12.4% (51/410), and median time from LT to the onset of FIs was 3 days. By univariate analysis, advanced recipient age, prolonged hospital stay prior to LT, high Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, increased operating time, massive blood loss and red blood cell transfusion, elevated alanine aminotransferase on day 1 and creatinine on day 3 after LT, prolonged duration of urethral catheter, prophylactic antifungal therapy, the need for mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy were identified as factors of increased post-LT FIs risk. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that recipient age ≥ 55 years[OR = 2.669, 95%CI: 1.292-5.513, P = 0.008], MELD score at LT ≥ 22[OR = 2.747, 95%CI: 1.274-5.922, P = 0.010], pre-LT WBC count ≥ 10 × 109/L[OR = 2.522, 95%CI: 1.117-5.692, P = 0.026], intraoperative blood loss ≥ 3000 ml [OR = 2.691, 95%CI: 1.262-5.738, P = 0.010], post-LT duration of urethral catheter > 4 d [OR = 3.202, 95%CI: 1.553-6.602, P = 0.002], and post-LT renal replacement therapy [OR = 5.768, 95%CI: 1.822-18.263, P = 0.003] were independently associated with the development of post-LT FIs. Post-LT prophylactic antifungal therapy ≥ 3 days was associated with a lower risk of the development of FIs [OR = 0.157, 95%CI: 0.073-0.340, P < 0.001]. As for clinical outcomes, FIs had a negative impact on intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay ≥ 7 days than those without FIs [OR = 3.027, 95% CI: 1.558-5.878, P = 0.001] but had no impact on hospital length of stay and 1-month all-cause mortality after LT. FIs are frequent complications after LT and the interval between the onset of FIs and LT was short. Risk factors for post-LT FIs included high MELD score at LT, advanced recipient age, pre-LT WBC count, massive intraoperative blood loss, prolonged post-LT duration of urethral catheter, and the need for post-LT renal replacement therapy. However, post-LT prophylactic antifungal therapy was independently associated with the reduction in the risk of FIs. FIs had a significant negative impact on ICU length of stay.

Isavuconazole Versus Voriconazole as the First-line Therapy for Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With Invasive Aspergillosis: Comparative Analysis of 2 Multicenter Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

Isavuconazole (ISA) and voriconazole (VORI) are recommended as the first-line treatment for invasive aspergillosis (IA). Despite theoretical advantages of ISA, both triazole agents have not been compared in solid organ transplant recipients.

METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis of 2 retrospective multicenter cohorts of solid organ transplant recipients with invasive fungal disease (the SOTIS [Solid Organ Transplantation and ISavuconazole] and DiasperSOT [DIagnosis of ASPERgillosis in Solid Organ Transplantation] studies). We selected adult patients with proven/probable IA that were treated for ≥48 h with ISA (n = 57) or VORI (n = 77) as first-line therapy, either in monotherapy or combination regimen. The primary outcome was the rate of clinical response at 12 wk from the initiation of therapy. Secondary outcomes comprised 12-wk all-cause and IA-attributable mortality and the rates of treatment-emergent adverse events and premature treatment discontinuation.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable in their demographics and major clinical and treatment-related variables. There were no differences in the rate of 12-wk clinical response between the ISA and VORI groups (59.6% versus 59.7%, respectively; odds ratio [OR], 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-2.00). This result was confirmed after propensity score adjustment (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.32-2.05) and matching (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.31-2.04). All-cause and IA-attributable mortality were also similar. Patients in the ISA group were less likely to experience treatment-emergent adverse events (17.5% versus 37.7%; P = 0.011) and premature treatment discontinuation (8.8% versus 23.4%; P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Front-line treatment with ISA for posttransplant IA led to similar clinical outcomes than VORI, with better tolerability and higher treatment completion.

Infections After Liver Transplant -Timeline, Management and Prevention

Liver transplantation (LT) is the standard treatment for end- stage liver disease. Patient and graft survival have improved significantly in the last three decades owing to improvement in surgical technique, better perioperative management and better immunosuppressive regimens. However, LT recipients are at increased risk of infections, particularly in the first year after transplantation. The risk of infection is directly proportional to immunosuppressive regimen and graft function. In this review, we will briefly discuss the timeline of infections after liver transplant, preventive strategies and management of infectious complications.

Epidemiology and Management of Infections in Liver Transplant Recipients

Background: Improvements in liver transplant (LT) outcomes are attributed to advances in surgical techniques, use of potent immunosuppressants, and rigorous pre-LT testing. Despite these improvements, post-LT infections remain the most common complication in this population. Bacteria constitute the most common infectious agents, while fungal and viral infections are also frequently encountered. Multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections develop because of polymicrobial overuse and prolonged hospital stays. Immediate post-LT infections are commonly caused by viruses. Conclusions: Appropriate vaccination, screening of both donor and recipients before LT and antiviral prophylaxis in high-risk individuals are recommended. Antimicrobial drug resistance is common in high-risk LT and associated with poor outcomes; epidemiology and management of these cases is discussed. Additionally, we also discuss the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and monkeypox in the LT population.

Pharmacological management of invasive mold infections in solid organ transplant recipients

INTRODUCTION

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients face an increased susceptibility to invasive fungal infection (IFI) due to filamentous fungi. Post-transplant invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis are related to exceedingly high mortality rates and graft loss risk, and its management involve a unique range of clinical challenges.

AREAS COVERED

First, the current treatment recommendations for IA and mucormycosis among SOT recipients are critically reviewed, including the supporting evidence. Next, we discussed particular concerns in this patient population, such as drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between triazoles and post-transplant immunosuppression or treatment-related toxicity. The role for immunomodulatory and host-targeted therapies is also considered, as well as the theoretical impact of the intrinsic antifungal activity of calcineurin inhibitors. Finally, a personal opinion is made on future directions in the pharmacological approach to post-transplant IFI.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite relevant advances in the treatment of mold IFIs in the SOT setting, such as the incorporation of isavuconazole (with lower incidence of DDIs and better tolerability than voriconazole), there remains a large room for improvement in areas such as the position of combination therapy or the optimal strategy for the reduction of baseline immunosuppression. Importantly, future studies should define the specific contribution of newer antifungal agents and classes.

Invasive aspergillosis in liver transplant recipients, an infectious complication with low incidence but significant mortality

BACKGROUND

Infections, including invasive fungal infections (IFIs), are among the leading causes of mortality in liver transplant recipients during the first year post-transplantation.

AIM

To investigate the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, treatment outcomes, and mortality rate of post-liver transplantation invasive aspergillosis (IA).

METHODS

In this case-control study, 22 patients with IA were identified by reviewing the archived and electronic medical records of 850 patients who received liver transplants at the Imam Khomeini Hospital complex in Tehran, Iran, between 2014 and 2019. The control group comprised 38 patients without IA infection matched for age and sex. The information obtained included the baseline characteristics of liver transplant patients, operative reports, post-transplantation characteristics of both groups and information about the fungal infection of the patient group.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate of IA among liver transplant recipients at Imam Khomeini Hospital was 2.7%. The risk factors of IA among studied patients included high serum creatinine levels before and post-transplant, renal replacement therapy, antithymocyte globulin induction therapy, post-transplant bile leakage, post-transplant hepatic artery thrombosis, repeated surgery within 30 d after the transplant, bacterial pneumonia before the aspergillosis diagnosis, receiving systemic antibiotics before the aspergillus infection, cytomegalovirus infection, and duration of post-transplant hospitalization in the intensive care unit. The most prevalent form of infection was invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and the most common chest computed tomography scan findings were nodules, pleural effusion, and the halo sign. In the case group, prophylactic antifungal therapy was administered more frequently than in the control group. The antifungal therapy response rate at 12 wk was 63.7%. The 3- and 12- mo mortality rates of the patients with IA were 36.4% and 45.4%, respectively (compared with the mortality rate of the control group in 12 mo, which was zero).

CONCLUSION

In this study, the prevalence of IA among liver transplant recipients was relatively low. However, it was one of the leading causes of mortality following liver transplantation. Targeted antifungal therapy may be a factor in the low incidence of infections at our facility. Identifying the risk factors of IFIs, maintaining an elevated level of clinical suspicion, and initiating early antifungal treatment may significantly improve the prognosis and reduce the mortality rate of liver transplant recipients.

Invasive fungal infections in liver diseases

Patients with liver diseases, including decompensated cirrhosis, alcohol-associated hepatitis, and liver transplant recipients are at increased risk of acquiring invasive fungal infections (IFIs). These infections carry high morbidity and mortality. Multiple factors, including host immune dysfunction, barrier failures, malnutrition, and microbiome alterations, increase the risk of developing IFI. Candida remains the most common fungal pathogen causing IFI. However, other pathogens, including Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Pneumocystis, and endemic mycoses, are being increasingly recognized. The diagnosis of IFIs can be ascertained by the direct observation or isolation of the pathogen (culture, histopathology, and cytopathology) or by detecting antigens, antibodies, or nucleic acid. Here, we provide an update on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of IFI in patients with liver disease and liver transplantation.

Early-Onset Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in a Liver Transplant Patient: A Case Report

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in liver transplant patients remains rare but exceedingly fatal. The diagnostic challenges associated with this condition are compounded by its infrequent onset within the first two weeks following transplantation. Moreover, therapeutic management is complex due to the intricate drug interactions between triazole antifungals and calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressants. We present the case of a 63-year-old male who underwent uncomplicated liver transplantation (LT) and developed early-onset IPA. Despite maximal efforts, the patient expired. This report aims to underscore the vital importance of timely diagnosis and therapy in preventing the insidious progression of invasive disease and subsequent mortality.

Invasive Fungal Infections after Liver Transplantation

Invasive fungal infections represent a major challenge in patients who underwent organ transplantation. Overall, the most common fungal infections in these patients are candidiasis, followed by aspergillosis and cryptococcosis, except in lung transplant recipients, where aspergillosis is most common. Several risk factors have been identified, which increase the likelihood of an invasive fungal infection developing after transplantation. Liver transplant recipients constitute a high-risk category for invasive candidiasis and aspergillosis, and therefore targeted prophylaxis is favored in this patient population. Furthermore, a timely implemented therapy is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes in transplanted patients. In this article, we describe the epidemiology, risk factors, prophylaxis, and treatment strategies of the most common fungal infections in organ transplantation, with a focus on liver transplantation.

Invasive aspergillosis in liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation is increasing worldwide with underlying pathologies dominated by metabolic and alcoholic diseases in developed countries.

METHODS

We provide a narrative review of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in liver transplant (LT) recipients. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for references without language and time restrictions.

RESULTS

The incidence of IA in LT recipients is low (1.8%), while mortality is high (∼50%). It occurs mainly early (<3 months) after LT. Some risk factors have been identified before (corticosteroid, renal, and liver failure), during (massive transfusion and duration of surgical procedure), and after transplantation (intensive care unit stay, re-transplantation, re-operation). Diagnosis can be difficult and therefore requires full radiological and clinicobiological collaboration. Accurate identification of Aspergillus species is recommended due to the cryptic species, and susceptibility testing is crucial given the increasing resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus to azoles. It is recommended to reduce the dose of tacrolimus (50%) and to closely monitor the trough level when introducing voriconazole, isavuconazole, and posaconazole. Surgery should be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Antifungal prophylaxis is recommended in high-risk patients. Environmental preventative measures should be implemented to prevent outbreaks of nosocomial aspergillosis in LT recipient units.

CONCLUSION

IA remains a very serious disease in LT patients and should be promptly sought and, if possible, prevented by clinicians when risk factors are identified.

Isavuconazole for the Treatment of Invasive Mold Disease in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Study on Efficacy and Safety in Real-life Clinical Practice

BACKGROUND

Isavuconazole has theoretical advantages over other mold-active triazoles for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis after solid organ transplantation (SOT). The available clinical experience, nevertheless, is scarce.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study including all adult SOT recipients with proven or probable invasive mold disease (IMD) that received isavuconazole for ≥24 h as first-line or salvage therapy at 10 Spanish centers between September 2017 and November 2021. The primary efficacy outcome was clinical response (complete or partial resolution of attributable symptoms and findings) by weeks 6 and 12. Safety outcomes included the rates of treatment-emergent adverse events and premature isavuconazole discontinuation.

RESULTS

We included 81 SOT recipients that received isavuconazole for a median of 58.0 days because of invasive aspergillosis (n = 71) or mucormycosis (n = 10). Isavuconazole was used as first-line (72.8%) or salvage therapy due because of previous treatment-emergent toxicity (11.1%) or refractory IMD (7.4%). Combination therapy was common (37.0%), mainly with an echinocandin or liposomal amphotericin B. Clinical response by weeks 6 and 12 was achieved in 53.1% and 54.3% of patients, respectively, and was more likely when isavuconazole was administered as first-line single-agent therapy. At least 1 treatment-emergent adverse event occurred in 17.3% of patients, and 6.2% required premature discontinuation. Daily tacrolimus dose was reduced in two-thirds of patients by a median of 50.0%, although tacrolimus levels remained stable throughout the first month of therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Isavuconazole is a safe therapeutic option for IMD in SOT recipients, with efficacy comparable to other patient groups.

Invasive Fungal Breakthrough Infections under Targeted Echinocandin Prophylaxis in High-Risk Liver Transplant Recipients

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are frequent and outcome-relevant complications in the early postoperative period after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Recent guidelines recommend targeted antimycotic prophylaxis (TAP) for high-risk liver transplant recipients (HR-LTRs). However, the choice of antimycotic agent is still a subject of discussion. Echinocandins are increasingly being used due to their advantageous safety profile and the increasing number of non-albicans Candida infections. However, the evidence justifying their use remains rather sparse. Recently published data on breakthrough IFI (b-IFI) raise concerns about echinocandin efficacy, especially in the case of intra-abdominal candidiasis (IAC), which is the most common infection site after OLT. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 100 adult HR-LTRs undergoing first-time OLT and receiving echinocandin prophylaxis between 2017 and 2020 in a tertiary university hospital. We found a breakthrough incidence of 16%, having a significant impact on postoperative complications, graft survival, and mortality. The reasons for this may be multifactorial. Among the pathogen-related factors, we identified the breakthrough of Candida parapsilosis in 11% of patients and one case of persistent IFI due to the development of a secondary echinocandin resistance of an IAC caused by Candida glabrata. Consequently, the efficacy of echinocandin prophylaxis in liver transplantation should be questioned. Further studies are necessary to clarify the matter of breakthrough infections under echinocandin prophylaxis.

Invasive Aspergillosis after Renal Transplantation

Over 95,000 renal transplantation procedures were completed in 2021. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) affects about 1 in 250 to 1 in 43 renal transplant recipients. About 50% of cases occur in the first 6 months after transplantation; the median time of onset is nearly 3 years. Major risk factors for IA include old age, diabetes mellitus (especially if prior diabetic nephropathy), delayed graft function, acute graft rejection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cytomegalovirus disease, and neutropenia. Hospital construction, demolition activities, and residential refurbishments also increase the risk. Parenchymal pulmonary infection is the most common (~75%), and bronchial, sinus, cerebral, and disseminated disease are less common. Typical pulmonary features of fever, dyspnea, cough, and hemoptysis are seen in most patients, but 20% have non-specific general features of illness. Non-specific infiltrates and pulmonary nodules are the commonest radiological features, with bilateral disease carrying a worse prognosis. Bronchoscopy for direct microscopy, fungal culture, and Aspergillus antigen are the fastest means of establishing the diagnosis; a positive serum Aspergillus antigen presages a worse outcome. Standard therapy includes voriconazole, isavuconazole, or posaconazole, with great attention necessary to assess likely drug-drug interactions. Liposomal amphotericin B and echinocandins are less effective. A reduction in or stopping immunosuppression needs careful consideration, given the overall mortality of IA in renal-transplanted patients; continuing corticosteroid after the diagnosis of IA increases mortality by 2.5 times. Surgical resection or the addition of a gamma interferon should also be considered.

Incidence of Invasive Fungal Infections in Liver Transplant Recipients under Targeted Echinocandin Prophylaxis

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are one of the most important infectious complications after liver transplantation, determining morbidity and mortality. Antimycotic prophylaxis may impede IFI, but a consensus on indication, agent, or duration is still missing. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the incidence of IFIs under targeted echinocandin antimycotic prophylaxis in adult high-risk liver transplant recipients. We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing a deceased donor liver transplantation at the Medical University of Innsbruck in the period from 2017 to 2020. Of 299 patients, 224 met the inclusion criteria. We defined patients as being at high risk for IFI if they had two or more prespecified risk factors and these patients received prophylaxis. In total, 85% (190/224) of the patients were correctly classified according to the developed algorithm, being able to predict an IFI with a sensitivity of 89%. Although 83% (90/109) so defined high-risk recipients received echinocandin prophylaxis, 21% (23/109) still developed an IFI. The multivariate analysis identified the age of the recipient (hazard ratio-HR = 0.97, p = 0.027), split liver transplantation (HR = 5.18, p = 0.014), massive intraoperative blood transfusion (HR = 24.08, p = 0.004), donor-derived infection (HR = 9.70, p < 0.001), and relaparotomy (HR = 4.62, p = 0.003) as variables with increased hazard ratios for an IFI within 90 days. The fungal colonization at baseline, high-urgency transplantation, posttransplant dialysis, bile leak, and early transplantation showed significance only in a univariate model. Notably, 57% (12/21) of the invasive Candida infections were caused by a non-albicans species, entailing a markedly reduced one-year survival. The attributable 90-day mortality rate of an IFI after a liver transplant was 53% (9/17). None of the patients with invasive aspergillosis survived. Despite targeted echinocandin prophylaxis, there is still a notable risk for IFI. Consequently, the prophylactic use of echinocandins must be critically questioned regarding the high rate of breakthrough infections, the increased occurrence of fluconazole-resistant pathogens, and the higher mortality rate in non-albicans Candida species. Adherence to the internal prophylaxis algorithms is of immense importance, bearing in mind the high IFI rates in case algorithms are not followed.

Epidemiology of Invasive Fungal Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: an Indian Perspective

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes the available Indian data on epidemiology of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in recipients of solid organ transplants (SOT). The epidemiology is further compared with studies from other parts of the world for each SOT type.

Recent Findings

The available studies on Indian epidemiology of IFI in SOT are scarce, though the number of SOTs performed in India have increased tremendously in recent years. The limited data from India present a distinct spectrum of infection in transplant recipients with high incidence of mucormycosis. During COVID-19 outbreak, IFI rate increased and renal transplant recipients acquired mucormycosis earlier than previous studies.

Summary

Maximum data on IFI was available from renal transplant recipients, wherein mucormycosis was the predominant IFI in Indian patients in contrast to invasive candidiasis in majority countries. The other IFIs had varied spectrum. With the increasing number of SOTs being performed and the already persisting high burden of IFI in India, there is an urgent need of larger prospective studies on epidemiology of IFI in transplant recipients.

Trends in the Prevalence of Amphotericin B-Resistance (AmBR) among Clinical Isolates of Aspergillus Species

The challenges of the invasive infections caused by the resistant Aspergillus species include the limited access to antifungals for treatment and high mortality. This study aimed to provide a global perspective of the prevalence of amphotericin B resistance (AmBR), geographic distribution, and the trend of AmBR from 2010 to 2020. To analyze the prevalence of in vitro AmBR in clinical Aspergillus species, we reviewed the literature and identified a total of 72 articles. AmBR was observed in 1128 out of 3061 Aspergillus terreus (36.8%), 538 out of 3663 Aspergillus flavus (14.9%), 141 out of 2691 Aspergillus niger (5.2%), and 353 out of 17,494 Aspergillus fumigatus isolates (2.01%). An increasing trend in AmB-resistant isolates of A. fumigatus and a decreasing trend in AmB-resistant A. terreus and A. flavus isolates were observed between 2016 and 2020. AmB-resistant A. terreus and A. niger isolates, accounting for 40.4% and 20.9%, respectively, were the common AmB-resistant Aspergillus species in Asian studies. However, common AmB-resistant Aspergillus species reported by European and American studies were A. terreus and A. flavus isolates, accounting for 40.1% and 14.3% in 31 studies from Europe and 25.1% and 11.7% in 14 studies from America, respectively. The prevalence of AmB-resistant A. niger in Asian isolates was higher than in American and European. We found a low prevalence of A. terreus in American isolates (25.1%) compared to Asian (40.4%) and European (40.1%). Future studies should focus on analyzing the trend of AmBR on a regional basis and using the same methodologies.

Risk factors of invasive fungal infections in liver transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) remain one of the most common infectious complications after organ transplantation, and liver transplant recipients (LTRs) have the highest mortality rate. However, risk factors associated with IFIs have only been evaluated in small single-center studies. We performed a meta-analysis by conducting a comprehensive search using Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, and Cochrane central register of controlled trials. All case-control and cohort studies evaluating risk factors for IFIs in adult LTRs were screened. Utilizing a random-effects model, a multivariate analysis was completed, and 28 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Rates of IFIs ranged from 1.4% to 32.7%. Previous antibiotic use (OR 9.3; 95% CI 3.2-27.0) and bacterial infection (OR 4.3; 95% CI 2.1-8.6) were risk factors of invasive candidiasis. Yet for invasive aspergillosis, posttransplant renal replacement therapy (OR 9.2; 95% CI 4.2-20.4), reoperation (OR 8.0; 95% CI 2.9-21.7), and cytomegalovirus infection (OR 6.2; 95% CI 2.0-19.3) were risk factors. The top independent risk factors for IFIs during studies from 2010 to 2019 were previous fungal colonization (OR 9.19; 95% CI 4.92-17.16), reoperation (OR 5.45; 95% CI 2.93-10.15), and previous bacterial infections (OR 3.81; 95% CI 2.13-6.83). These risk factors may be targeted by antifungal prophylaxis in LTRs.

Fungal Infections in Liver Transplant Recipients

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are one of the most feared complications associated with liver transplantation, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. We discuss the most common invasive fungal infections in the setting of liver transplant, including Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcal infections, and some less frequent but devastating mold infections. Further, we evaluate the use of prophylaxis to prevent invasive fungal infection in this population as a promising mechanism to reduce risks to patients after liver transplant.

Acute death caused by invasive aspergillosis after living-donor liver transplantation despite good graft function: a case report

Background

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is one of the most serious causes of death after liver transplantation (LT). IA is the second most common fungal infection, and its mortality rate exceeds 80%.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old man presented to our hospital because of fulminant hepatitis caused by hepatitis B virus. Candidiasis was detected in his sputum, and micafungin had already been administered. Living-donor LT was performed using a right lobe graft donated from his daughter with no intraoperative complications. Although he appeared to have good graft function, his oxygenation was inadequate, and a chest radiograph showed many invasive shadows on postoperative day 1. A computed tomography scan also showed many invasive shadows with the halo sign. A blood examination revealed positivity for Aspergillus antigen, and Aspergillus species were detected in his sputum. IA was diagnosed. The antifungal therapy was soon modified to amphotericin B combined with caspofungin. Despite good graft blood flow through the portal vein and hepatic artery and good graft function, the patient died of IA on postoperative day 3. The median time from LT to IA among reports published to date ranges from 18 to 25 days.

Conclusions

The present report describes the first case of very early onset of IA after LT.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis after liver transplantation: lessons from successfully treated cases and review of the literature

PURPOSE

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) after liver transplantation (LT) is most often fatal. We analyzed the outcomes of IPA in a single center.

METHODS

We reviewed, retrospectively, the medical records of recipients of living donor LT (LDLT) or deceased donor LT (DDLT) performed between 1995 and 2019 at our institute. We analyzed the incidence of IPA and assessed the treatment courses of patients treated successfully and those not treatment successfully.

RESULTS

Among 326 recipients, IPA was diagnosed in 6 (1.8%). The incidence of IPA was significantly higher in patients with acute liver failure (ALF, 9.8%) than in those without ALF (0.4%), after DDLT (8.8%) than after LDLT (1.0%), and in recipients who received preoperative steroid pulse therapy (16.0%) than in those who did not (0.7%). Complete cure of IPA was achieved in the most recent three patients, by administering voriconazole immediately after the diagnosis of IPA and performing lung resection, while the IPA lesion was single and localized.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with risk factors for IPA must be monitored closely. Our three successfully treated cases demonstrate that initiating immediate voriconazole treatment and making a calculated decision about lung resection can contribute to a favorable outcome.

The Effects of Different Fungi on the IL-1β Expression in Mouse Dendritic Cells

Background: Invasive fungal infection received more and more attention because of its high mortality, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common pathogenic fungus for systematic fungal infection, A. lentulus was isolated and identified recently and named as a sister of A. fumigatus. Objectives: The current study aimed to explore the concentration and time-dependent relationships of the virulence of fungi due to the change in the Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) level. Methods: Candida albicans, A. fumigatus, and A. lentulus suspensions with a multiplicity of infection = 0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 units were used to treat mouse dendritic cells. The IL-β level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after the treatment was administered. Results: The main effects and interactions between the multiplicity of infection, intervention duration, and the dependent variable of IL-1β were significant. Besides, there were statistically significant differences. Only C. albicans and A. lentulus could induce IL-1β 48 hours after administration. Furthermore, the production of IL-1β induced by A. fumigatus was higher than that induced by A. lentulus and C. albicans. Conclusions: This study demonstrated concentration- and time-dependent relationships in IL-1β production by dendritic cells induced by three types of fungi. Candida albicans and A. lentulus exhibited a slow phase-in in vitro inflammation induction. The inflammatory response induced by A. fumigatusin vitro has the characteristics of a short action time and a strong toxic effect. Finally, A. lentulus is less virulent than A. fumigatus, and its inflammation-inducing time is relatively longer.

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 detects invasive fungal infections in patients following liver transplantation

PURPOSE

Despite antifungal prophylaxis, liver transplanted patients are endangered by invasive fungal infections (IFI). Routinely used microbiological procedures are hallmarked by significant weaknesses, which may lead to a delay in antifungal treatment.

METHODS

Culture-based fungal findings, routinely used biomarkers of infection/inflammation (e.g., procalcitonin or C-reactive protein), as well as corresponding plasma concentrations of soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule (ICAM)-1 were analysed in 93 patients during a period of 28 days following liver transplantation (LTX).

RESULTS

Plasmatic sICAM-1 was significantly elevated in patients affected by an IFI within the first 28 days in comparison to fungally colonised or unobtrusive LTX patients. sICAM-1 might therefore be helpful for the identification of IFI patients after LTX (e.g., Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC)-Area Under the Curve (AUC): 0.714 at 14d after LTX). The diagnostic performance of sICAM-1 was further improved by its combined use with different other IFI biomarkers (e.g., midregional proadrenomedullin).

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic deficiencies of routinely used microbiological procedures for IFI detection in patients after LTX may be reduced by plasmatic sICAM-1 measurements. Clinical Trial Notation. German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00005480.

Defining standards of CARE for invasive fungal diseases in the ICU

The aim of this article is to review the current recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infection in the ICU setting and to explore whether there are standards of care for this patient population. The text focuses mainly on the two most common invasive fungal diseases that afflict non-neutropenic patients: candidaemia and invasive candidosis (IC), and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA).

Lethal thrombosis of the iliac artery caused by Aspergillus fumigatus after liver transplantation: case report and review of the literature

Background

Aspergillus fumigatus infections frequently occur after solid organ transplantation. Yet, a fungal thrombosis after liver transplantation is an exceptional finding.

Case presentation

We report on a 44-year-old female with an aspergillosis after liver transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis. On postoperative day (pod) 7, seizures occurred and imaging diagnostics revealed an intracranial lesion. Anidulafungin was initiated in suspicion of mycosis and switched to voriconazole on suspicion of an Aspergillus spp. infection. Progression of the cerebral lesion prompted craniotomy (pod 48) and the aspergillosis was verified. The patient was discharged with oral voriconazole therapy. Re-admission was necessary with acute-on-chronic renal failure after a tacrolimus overdose on pod 130. The patient received a pelvic angiography due to a temperature difference in the legs. It showed a complete iliac artery thrombosis which was subsecutively surgically removed. The histopathological examination revealed an Aspergillus fumigatus conglomerate. The patient died on pod 210 due to systemic aspergillosis.

Conclusion

The acute development of focal neurologic deficits is common in patients with an aspergillosis of the brain. Nevertheless, arterial thrombosis after Aspergillus fumigatus is less frequent and, to the best of our knowledge, its occurrence after liver transplantation has not yet been reported so far. Due to its rarity, we added a review of the literature to this manuscript.

Invasive Aspergillosis in solid-organ transplant recipients: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice

These updated AST-IDCOP guidelines provide information on epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of Aspergillus after organ transplantation. Aspergillus is the most common invasive mold infection in solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients, and it is the most common invasive fungal infection among lung transplant recipients. Time from transplant to diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) is variable, but most cases present within the first year post-transplant, with shortest time to onset among liver and heart transplant recipients. The overall 12-week mortality of IA in SOT exceeds 20%; prognosis is worse among those with central nervous system involvement or disseminated disease. Bronchoalveolar lavage galactomannan is preferred for the diagnosis of IA in lung and non-lung transplant recipients, in combination with other diagnostic modalities (eg, chest CT scan, culture). Voriconazole remains the drug of choice to treat IA, with isavuconazole and lipid formulations of amphotericin B regarded as alternative agents. The role of combination antifungals for primary therapy of IA remains controversial. Either universal prophylaxis or preemptive therapy is recommended in lung transplant recipients, whereas targeted prophylaxis is favored in liver and heart transplant recipients. In these guidelines, we also discuss newer antifungals and diagnostic tests, antifungal susceptibility testing, and special patient populations.

Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to infectious diseases in solid organ transplant recipients

Purpose

Prognosis of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients has improved, mainly because of better prevention of rejection by immunosuppressive therapies. However, SOT recipients are highly susceptible to conventional and opportunistic infections, which represent a major cause of morbidity, graft dysfunction and mortality.

Methods

Narrative review.

Results

We cover the current epidemiology and main aspects of infections in SOT recipients including risk factors such as postoperative risks and specific risks for different transplant recipients, key points on anti-infective prophylaxis as well as diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We provide an up-to-date guide for management of the main syndromes that can be encountered in SOT recipients including acute respiratory failure, sepsis or septic shock, and central nervous system infections as well as bacterial infections with multidrug-resistant strains, invasive fungal diseases, viral infections and less common pathogens that may impact this patient population.

Conclusion

We provide state-of the art review of available knowledge of critically ill SOT patients with infections.

New approaches for the detection of invasive fungal diseases in patients following liver transplantation-results of an observational clinical pilot study

PURPOSE

Despite antifungal prophylaxis following liver transplantation (LTX), patients are at risk for the development of subsequent opportunistic infections, such as an invasive fungal disease (IFD). However, culture-based diagnostic procedures are associated with relevant weaknesses.

METHODS

Culture and next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based fungal findings as well as corresponding plasma levels of ß-D-glucan (BDG), galactomannan (GM), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-2, -4, -6, -10, -17A and mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) were evaluated in 93 patients at 6 consecutive time points within 28 days following LTX.

RESULTS

A NGS-based diagnostic approach was shown to be suitable for the early identification of fungal pathogens in patients following LTX. Moreover, MR-proADM and IL-17A in plasma proved suitable for the identification of patients with an IFD.

CONCLUSION

Plasma measurements of MR-proADM and IL-17A as well as a NGS-based diagnostic approach were shown to be attractive methodologies to attenuate the weaknesses of routinely used culture-based diagnostic procedures for the determination of an IFD in patients following LTX. However, an additional confirmation within a larger multicenter trial needs to be recommended.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00005480 .

Cutaneous Mucormycosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients after Hurricane Harvey: Short- and Long-term Management

In the fall of 2017, Hurricane Harvey, one of the most costly hurricanes in American history, ravaged the Texas Gulf Coast, interrupting basic sanitation systems to hundreds of thousands of Texas residents. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, our Houston hospitals noted an uptick in the incidence of cases of mucormycosis. Among the most vulnerable and affected have been immunocompromised transplant recipients. Here, we describe the successful management of 2 patients with atypical presentations of mucormycosis, 2 cutaneous infections after liver transplantation. Our comprehensive treatment strategy based upon guidelines and experience included coordinating aggressive surgical and medical therapies. We discuss our approach to surgical management including the extent and frequency of debridement, the methods of assessing disease-free margins, and minimizing the morbidity of radical debridement with temporary coverage and forethought to long-term reconstruction. Additionally, we describe the concurrent medical management, including type, route, and duration of antifungal therapy, minimizing suppression of the innate immune system, and optimizing the wound healing environment through maintaining nutritional status.

A suppurative thyroiditis and perineal subcutaneous abscess related with aspergillus fumigatus: a case report and literature review

Background

Invasive aspergillosis is a complication in immunocompromised patients and commonly detected in patients with hematological malignancies, which mostly affect the lungs. Because of its high iodine content, rich blood supply and capsule, the thyroid is considered to be less prone to microbial invasion thus most infectious thyroiditis cases are caused by bacteria. However, a few case reports have described thyroid gland aspergilloses, most of which were due to disseminated invasive aspergillosis.

Case presentation

We first report a case of thyroid gland and subcutaneous labium majus aspergillosis in a Chinese patient who received long-term glucocorticoid treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis, and then we reviewed 36 articles describing similar aspergillus infections in 41 patients.

Conclusion

We included 29 cases of diagnosed aspergillus thyroiditis and analyzed clinical findings, treatments and outcomes to provide clinical information for diagnosis and prognosis of thyroiditis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus.

Renal aspergillosis in a liver transplant patient: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Aspergillosis is a frequent invasive fungal infection in liver recipients (affecting 1%-9.2% of all patients), second only to candidiasis. Significant risk factors for invasive aspergillosis in liver recipients include corticosteroid therapy, neutropenia, T-cell dysfunction, renal failure and requirement for renal replacement therapy. Aspergillus infection usually affects the lungs of liver recipients, with hematogenous dissemination occurring in 50%-60% of cases. Renal involvement is rare and is considered to occur in 0.4% of all cases of invasive aspergillosis.

CASE SUMMARY

This paper describes a case of a liver recipient presenting with a newly formed renal mass a year after liver transplantation. The patient underwent liver transplantation due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis, with preoperative corticosteroid therapy and postoperative immunosuppressants (tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil). His 1-year follow-up was uneventful, with a satisfying graft function and lack of any symptoms. During a routine follow-up abdominal ultrasound, he was diagnosed with a renal tumor. The renal imaging findings were inconclusive (with a differential diagnosis to renal cell carcinoma), while the computed tomography (CT) of the chest showed scar tissue in the lungs suggestive of previous inflammation. The patient underwent radical nephrectomy, with histopathological analysis showing renal aspergilloma, yielding postoperative treatment with voriconazole. His follow up was uneventful, and the chest CT did not show any change in pulmonary lesions. This case illustrates the possibility of aspergillosis affecting the lungs of liver recipients, subsequently affecting the kidney and forming an aspergilloma.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should be aware of aspergilloma mimicking solid organ tumors in organ recipients.

Aspergillus pseudodeflectus: a new human pathogen in liver transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Liver transplant recipients are at high risk of developing invasive aspergillosis and in particular by Aspergillus fumigatus which is the most commonly encountered species in this population. Other non-fumigatus Aspergillus species with reduced susceptibility to antifungal drugs can also be involved. Accurate identification associated to antifungal susceptibility testing is essential for therapy adjustment. We report a case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis due to Aspergillus pseudodeflectus in a liver transplant recipient. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of invasive aspergillosis due to this species with a reduced susceptibility to azoles.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 64 year-old woman with drug-induced fulminant hepatitis underwent liver transplantation. Prophylactic treatment with caspofungin was introduced due to aspergillosis risk factors consisting in hemodialysis and fulminant hepatitis. Six weeks after transplantation, CT scan showed a right pulmonary opacity associated with an increase of galactomannan (index 5.4). Culture of BAL grew with several colonies of Aspergillus sp. The diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis was probable according to the EORTC criteria. The antifungal susceptibility tests (Etest®) revealed low MICs to echinocandins and amphotericin B) but high MICs to azoles. After these results, voriconazole was switched to liposomal amphotericin B. The patient died one month after diagnosis from a refractory septic shock with multiple organ failure. A molecular identification of isolate, based on partial β-tubulin and calmodulin genes, was performed and identified A. pseudodeflectus.

CONCLUSIONS

Our case raises the question of pathogenicity of this species, which belongs to Aspergillus section Usti and is genetically and morphologically very close to Aspergillus calidoustus that was previously reported in human transplant recipients.

Twice-Weekly Tacrolimus Can Overcome Pharmacologic Interaction and Help in the Successful Treatment of Pulmonary Aspergillosis in a Liver Transplant Recipient

Drug-drug interactions between azoles and calcineurin inhibitors can cause issues for organ transplant specialists. Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of solid-organ transplant recipients with invasive aspergillosis infection are lacking. Here, we present a patient who developed pulmonary aspergillosis after liver transplant. The patient had prolonged treatment with echinocandin that was not effective. A drug-drug interaction between azoles and tacrolimus caused issues for the clinical physician. We adjusted the doses, and the patient was successfully treated. A reduction in the tacrolimus dose, intensive monitoring of associated parameters, and elimination of risk exposures are important for a favorable outcome.

Molecular quantification and differentiation of Candida species in biological specimens of patients with liver cirrhosis

Patients with liver cirrhosis are susceptible to fungal infections. Due to low sensitivity of culture-based methods, we applied a real-time PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene in combination with direct sequencing and terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) in order to establish a novel tool to detect fungal DNA and to quantify and differentiate Candida DNA, also in polyfungal specimens. In total, 281 samples (blood n = 135, ascites n = 92, duodenal fluid n = 54) from 135 patients with liver cirrhosis and 52 samples (blood n = 26, duodenal fluid n = 26) from 26 control patients were collected prospectively. Candida DNA was quantified in all samples. Standard microbiological culture was performed for comparison. Blood and ascites samples, irrespective of the patient cohort, showed a method-independent low fungal detection rate of approximately 1%, and the Candida DNA content level did not exceed 3.0x10¹ copies ml^-1 in any sample. In contrast, in duodenal fluid of patients with liver cirrhosis high fungal detection rates were discovered by using both PCR- and culture-based techniques (81.5% vs. 66.7%; p = 0.123) and the median level of Candida DNA was 3.8x10⁵ copies ml^-1 (2.3x10²-6.3x10⁹). In cirrhosis and controls, fungal positive culture results were confirmed by PCR in 96% and an additional amount of 44% of culture negative duodenal samples were PCR positive. Using T-RFLP analysis in duodenal samples, overall 85% of results from microbial culture were confirmed and in 75% of culture-negative but PCR-positive samples additional Candida species could be identified. In conclusion, PCR-based methods and subsequent differentiation of Candida DNA might offer a quick approach to identifying Candida species without prior cultivation.

Anti-infective chemoprophylaxis after solid-organ transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at high risk of opportunistic infections due to bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Anti-infective prophylaxis is a time-tested proven strategy for the prevention of these infections after SOT. Areas covered: The current recommendations for the prevention of surgical site infections, herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, invasive fungal infections, and selected parasitic diseases are highlighted. Recent peer-reviewed publications on the prevention of infection after SOT were reviewed and their significance was discussed in the context of the current recommendations for preventing infectious complications. Expert commentary: The authors comment on the current approaches to infection prevention in transplant recipients, and discuss how these recommendations are implemented in their clinical practice. Notable findings published during the past year were highlighted, and their clinical significance was interpreted in the context of current recommendations. The evolution of diagnostic and immunologic assays was emphasized, with focus on their potential role in optimizing the current antimicrobial approaches to infection prevention after SOT.

Epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes of invasive aspergillosis in solid organ transplant recipients in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

There is lack of recent multicenter epidemiological data on invasive aspergillosis (IA) among solid organ transplant recipient (SOTr) in the mold-acting antifungal era. We describe the epidemiology and outcomes of IA in a contemporary cohort of SOTr using the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study.

METHODS

All consecutive SOTr with proven or probable IA between 01.05.2008 and 31.12.2014 were included. A case-control study to identify IA predictors was performed: 1-case was matched with 3-controls based on SOT type, transplant center, and time post-SOT.

RESULTS

Among 2868 SOTr, 70 (2.4%) patients were diagnosed with proven (N: 30/70, 42.9%) or probable (N: 40/70, 57.1%) IA. The incidence of IA was 8.3%, 7.1%, 2.6%, 1.3%, and 1.2% in lung, heart, combined, kidney, and liver transplant recipients, respectively, Galactomannan immunoassay was positive in 1/3 of patients tested. Only 33/63 (52.4%) of patients presented with typical pulmonary radiographic findings. Predictors of IA included: renal insufficiency, re-operation, and bacterial and viral infections. 12-week mortality was higher in liver (85.7%, 6/7) compared to other (15.9%, 10/63; P < .001) SOTr.

CONCLUSIONS

Invasive aspergillosis remains a rare complication post-SOT, with atypical radiographic presentations and low positivity rates of biomarkers posing significant diagnostic challenges. Although overall mortality has decreased in SOTr, it remains high in liver SOTr.

Diagnosis and management of Aspergillus diseases: executive summary of the 2017 ESCMID-ECMM-ERS guideline

The European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, the European Confederation of Medical Mycology and the European Respiratory Society Joint Clinical Guidelines focus on diagnosis and management of aspergillosis. Of the numerous recommendations, a few are summarized here. Chest computed tomography as well as bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in patients with suspicion of pulmonary invasive aspergillosis (IA) are strongly recommended. For diagnosis, direct microscopy, preferably using optical brighteners, histopathology and culture are strongly recommended. Serum and BAL galactomannan measures are recommended as markers for the diagnosis of IA. PCR should be considered in conjunction with other diagnostic tests. Pathogen identification to species complex level is strongly recommended for all clinically relevant Aspergillus isolates; antifungal susceptibility testing should be performed in patients with invasive disease in regions with resistance found in contemporary surveillance programmes. Isavuconazole and voriconazole are the preferred agents for first-line treatment of pulmonary IA, whereas liposomal amphotericin B is moderately supported. Combinations of antifungals as primary treatment options are not recommended. Therapeutic drug monitoring is strongly recommended for patients receiving posaconazole suspension or any form of voriconazole for IA treatment, and in refractory disease, where a personalized approach considering reversal of predisposing factors, switching drug class and surgical intervention is also strongly recommended. Primary prophylaxis with posaconazole is strongly recommended in patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome receiving induction chemotherapy. Secondary prophylaxis is strongly recommended in high-risk patients. We strongly recommend treatment duration based on clinical improvement, degree of immunosuppression and response on imaging.

Intensive Care of Pulmonary Complications Following Liver Transplantation

Chronic liver disease has been associated with pulmonary dysfunction both before and after liver transplantation. Post-liver transplantation pulmonary complications can affect both morbidity and mortality often necessitating intensive care during the immediate postoperative period. The major pulmonary complications include pneumonia, pleural effusions, pulmonary edema, and atelectasis. Poor clinical outcomes have been known to be associated with age, severity of liver dysfunction, and preexisting lung disease as well as perioperative events related to fluid balance, particularly transfusion and fluid volumes. Delineating each and every one of these pulmonary complications and their associated risk factors becomes paramount in guiding specific therapeutic strategies.

Immunobiological Activity of Synthetically Prepared Immunodominant Galactomannosides Structurally Mimicking Aspergillus Galactomannan

The study is oriented at the in vitro evaluation of the immunobiological activity and efficacy of synthetically prepared isomeric pentasaccharides representing fragments of Aspergillus fumigatus cell-wall galactomannan and containing β-(1→5)-linked tetragalactofuranoside chain attached to O-6 (GM-1) or O-3 (GM-2) of a spacer-armed mannopyranoside residue. These compounds were studied as biotinylated conjugates which both demonstrated immunomodulatory activities on the RAW 264.7 cell line murine macrophages as in vitro innate immunity cell model. Immunobiological studies revealed time- and concentration-dependent efficient immunomodulation. The proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages was induced at higher concentration (100 µg/mL) of studied glycoconjugates and longer exposure (48 h), with more pronounced efficacy for GM-1. The increase of proliferation followed the previous increase of IL-2 production. The cytokine profile of the macrophages treated with the glycoconjugates was predominantly pro-inflammatory Th1 type with significant increase of TNFα, IL-6, and IL-12 release for both glycoconjugates. The RAW 264.7 macrophages production of free radicals was not significantly affected by glycoconjugates stimulation. The phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7 cells was reduced following GM-1 treatment and was significantly increased after 24 h stimulation with GM-2, contrary to 48 h stimulation. Moreover, the synthetically prepared galactomannoside derivatives have been evaluated as efficient serodiagnostic antigens recognized by specific Ig isotypes, and significant presence of specific IgM antibodies in serum of patients suffering from vulvovaginitis was observed.

Epidemiology of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with liver failure: Clinical presentation, risk factors, and outcomes

Objective

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a severe and often lethal infection. The possible risk factors, clinical presentation, and treatment of patients with simultaneous liver failure and IPA have received little attention in previous studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of IPA in patients with liver failure in an effort to reduce patient mortality.

Methods

The patients with liver failure (including acute liver failure , sub-acute liver failure , acute-on-chronic liver failure and chronic liver failure) were recruited from 2011 to 2016. The clinical data of these patients were retrieved for the study.

Results

In total, 1077 patients with liver failure were included in this study. Of the 1077 patients, 53 (4.9%) had IPA. Forty-four (83%) patients with IPA died. Independent risk factors for IPA were male sex (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.542), hepatorenal syndrome (HR = 2.463), antibiotic use (HR = 4.631), and steroid exposure (HR = 18.615).

Conclusions

IPA is a fatal complication in patients with liver failure. Male sex, hepatorenal syndrome, antibiotic use, and steroid exposure were independent risk factors for IPA. When patients with liver failure have these risk factors and symptoms of pneumonia such as cough or hemoptysis, clinicians should be cautious about the possibility of IPA.

Clinical Presentation and Determinants of Mortality of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Multinational Cohort Study

The prognostic factors and optimal therapy for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) after kidney transplantation (KT) remain poorly studied. We included in this multinational retrospective study 112 recipients diagnosed with probable (75.0% of cases) or proven (25.0%) IPA between 2000 and 2013. The median interval from transplantation to diagnosis was 230 days. Cough, fever, and expectoration were the most common symptoms at presentation. Bilateral pulmonary involvement was observed in 63.6% of cases. Positivity rates for the galactomannan assay in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples were 61.3% and 57.1%, respectively. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most commonly identified species. Six- and 12-week survival rates were 68.8% and 60.7%, respectively, and 22.1% of survivors experienced graft loss. Occurrence of IPA within the first 6 months (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.29; p-value = 0.027) and bilateral involvement at diagnosis (HR: 3.00; p-value = 0.017) were independent predictors for 6-week all-cause mortality, whereas the initial use of a voriconazole-based regimen showed a protective effect (HR: 0.34; p-value = 0.007). The administration of antifungal combination therapy had no apparent impact on outcome. In conclusion, IPA entails a dismal prognosis among KT recipients. Maintaining a low clinical suspicion threshold is key to achieve a prompt diagnosis and to initiate voriconazole therapy.

Infectious Complications and Vaccinations in the Posttransplant Population

Infections remain a major cause of mortality and morbidity after both kidney and liver transplantation, and internists increasingly play a major role in diagnosing and treating these infections. Because of immunosuppression, solid organ transplant recipients do not often demonstrate classic signs and symptoms of infection and have a broader variety of common and opportunistic infections, many of which are generally more difficult to diagnose and treat. Although these patients have many risk factors for infection, a major determinant is the time after transplant as it relates to levels of immunosuppression, healing, and hospital or environmental exposures.

Concomitant presence of Aspergillus fumigatus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in the respiratory tract: a new risk for patients with liver disease?

Concomitant lung colonization by Aspergillus fumigatus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was reported mainly in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and immunocompromised patients. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of co-culture of A. fumigatus and S. maltophilia in respiratory samples of hospitalized patients, and to determine its associated factors. Between 2007 and 2011, all patients who had A. fumigatus in their respiratory samples were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Their clinical and laboratory data, including the presence of S. maltophilia in a respiratory sample, were collected within the same month. Of the 257 enrolled patients (372 respiratory samples), 71 % were immunocompromised and 32 % had chronic respiratory disease. S. maltophilia was isolated within the same month in 20 patients (7.8 %). In the univariate analysis, factors associated with concomitant culture of A. fumigatus and S. maltophilia were liver disease (P = 0.009), orotracheal intubation (P = 0.001), ventilator-associated pneumonia (P = 0.006), central venous catheter (P = 0.003), parenteral nutrition (P = 0.008) and culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in respiratory samples (P = 0.002). In the multivariate analysis, the simultaneous presence of P. aeruginosa in the respiratory tract (odds ratio (OR) = 3.19, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.11-9.14, P = 0.031), liver disease (OR = 3.92, 95 % CI 1.32-11.62, P = 0.014) and orotracheal intubation (OR = 3.42, 95 % CI 1.17-9.96, P = 0.024) were independently associated with the co-culture of S. maltophilia and A. fumigatus. Factors independently associated with the concomitant culture of A. fumigatus and S. maltophilia were identified. These results support a future prospective study focusing on liver disease and its complications.