Lower blood levels of isavuconazole in critically ill patients compared with other populations: possible need for therapeutic drug monitoring

BACKGROUND

Isavuconazole is first-line treatment of invasive aspergillosis. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is deemed not necessary, since most patients reached therapeutic levels (>1 mg/L) in large studies. Low levels were reported in some critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. The aim was to compare isavuconazole levels between critically ill and non-critically ill patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of data from all patients treated with standard-dose isavuconazole between 1 January 2019 and 26 October 2022 was performed. The following data were collected: TDM results from the first 30 days of therapy; ward of admission; demographic and clinical characteristics; continuous renal replacement therapy; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; and co-administered drugs.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients (median age 65 years) and 188 TDM measurements (mean number of samples per patient 2.6 ± 1.7) were included; 33 (45.8%) were ICU patients (3 also had haematological disorders); 39 (54.2%) were non-ICU patients, of whom 31 had haematological disorders. In all patients, the mean isavuconazole blood level was 3.33 ± 2.26 mg/L. Significantly lower levels were observed in the ICU versus the non-ICU population: mean 2.02 ± 1.22 versus 4.15 ± 2.31 mg/L (P < 0.001). Significantly higher rates of subtherapeutic levels were observed in ICU patients compared with the non-ICU population: all determinations <2 mg/L in 33.3% versus 7.7%, and all determinations <1 mg/L in 12.1% versus 0%, respectively. Predictors of lower isavuconazole levels were admission to the ICU, BMI > 25 kg/m2, bilirubin > 1.2 mg/dL and the absence of haematological disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

ICU patients had significantly lower isavuconazole blood levels compared to non-ICU population. The TDM of isavuconazole for efficacy should be performed in ICU.

Adenovirus infection in adult patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant: Incidence, clinical management, and outcome

BACKGROUND

Adenovirus infection (ADVi) is an emergent complication in adult patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and is associated with poor outcome. Available data on risk factors and optimal management of ADVi in adult allo-HSCT recipients are limited, and recommendations on monitoring and pre-emptive therapy are mainly based on pediatric data.

METHODS

In this single-center, retrospective study, we reported all cases of positive ADV-DNA from adult patients undergoing allo-HSCT in the period 2014-2019. The study aimed to describe the incidence of ADVi at day +180 post-transplant. Secondly to describe timing, clinical presentation, risk factors, and outcome of ADVi and to analyze the application of a screening strategy in our cohort.

RESULTS

In 445 allo-HSCT recipients, the day +180 incidence was: 9% (39/445) for ADVi, 5% (24/445) for ADV viremia (ADVv), and 3% (15/445) for localized ADVi. The median time to ADVi was 65 (IQR 19; 94) days after HSCT. ADVv-related mortality was 13% (3/24), all cases occurring with blood max-ADV-DNA > 10^3 cp/mL. Independent risk factors for ADVi were diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disease (p = .011) and acute graft-versus-host-disease (p = .021).

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort, ADVi and ADVv were more frequent than previously reported. ADVv with max-ADV-DNA > 10^3 cp/mL was associated with ADV-related mortality, thus careful monitoring and early initiation of treatment are advisable.

Lower (1,3)-beta-d-glucan sensitivity and in vitro levels in Candida auris and Candida parapsilosis strains

OBJECTIVES

The serum (1,3)-beta-d-glucan (BDG) assay gives quicker results and has higher sensitivity than blood cultures, therefore it is advised for early diagnosis of invasive candidemia and/or discontinuation of empirical therapy. Its sensitivity may depend on different factors. The aim of our study was to analyse the in vitro and in vivo BDG levels in clinical isolates of three species of Candida responsible for candidemia.

METHODS

C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. auris strains were collected from blood cultures of patients who had a concurrent (-1 to +3 days) serum BDG test (Fungitell assay). Supernatants of all strains were tested in quadruplicate for BDG levels.

RESULTS

Twenty-two C. auris, 14 C. albicans, and ten C. parapsilosis strains were included. The median BDG levels in supernatants were 463 pg/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 379-648) for C. auris, 1080 pg/mL (IQR 830-1276) for C. albicans, and 755 pg/mL (IQR 511-930) for C. parapsilosis, with the significant difference among the species (p < 0.0001). Median serum BDG levels (IQR) were significantly lower in case C. auris and C. parapsilosis vs. C. albicans (p < 0.0001), respectively, 50 pg/mL (IQR 15-161) and 57 pg/mL (IQR 18-332), vs. 372 pg/mL (IQR 102-520). Sensitivity of serum BDG was 39% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18-64) in case of C. auris, 30% (95% CI, 8-65) C. parapsilosis and 78% (95% CI, 49-94) C. albicans candidemia.

DISCUSSION

In our centre C. auris and C. parapsilosis strains have lower BDG content as compared with C. albicans, with a potential impact on serum BDG performance for the diagnosis of candidemia.

Frequency of Detection of Candida auris Colonization Outside a Highly Endemic Setting: What Is the Optimal Strategy for Screening of Carriage?

Candida auris outbreaks are increasingly frequent worldwide. In our 1000-bed hospital, an endemic transmission of C. auris was established in two of five intensive care units (ICUs). Aims of our study were to describe the occurrence of new cases of C. auris colonization and infection outside the endemic ICUs, in order to add evidence for future policies on screening in patients discharged as negative from an endemic setting, as well as to propose a new algorithm for screening of such high-risk patients. From 26 March 2021 to 26 January 2023, among 392 patients who were diagnosed as colonized or infected with C. auris in our hospital, 84 (21.4%) received the first diagnosis of colonization or infection outside the endemic ICUs. A total of 68 patients out of 84 (81.0%) had a history of prior admission to the endemic ICUs. All were screened and tested negative during their ICU stay with a median time from last screening to discharge of 3 days. In 57/68 (83.8%) of patients, C. auris was detected through screening performed after ICU discharge, and 90% had C. auris colonization detected within 9 days from ICU discharge. In 13 cases (13/57 screened, 22.8%), the first post-ICU discharge screening was negative. In those not screened, candidemia was the most frequent event of the first C. auris detection (6/11 patients not screened). In settings where the transmission of C. auris is limited to certain wards, we suggest screening both at discharge from the endemic ward(s) even in case of a recent negative result, and at least twice after admission to nonendemic settings.

Triple Combination Therapy With 2 Antivirals and Monoclonal Antibodies for Persistent or Relapsed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Immunocompromised Patients

BACKGROUND

Severely immunocompromised patients are at risk for prolonged or relapsed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), leading to increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of combination treatment in immunocompromised COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

We included all immunocompromised patients with prolonged/relapsed COVID-19 treated with combination therapy with 2 antivirals (remdesivir plus nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, or molnupiravir in case of renal failure) plus, if available, anti-spike monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), between February and October 2022. The main outcomes were virological response at day 14 (negative Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] swab) and virological and clinical response (alive, asymptomatic, with negative SARS-CoV-2 swab) at day 30 and the last follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, 22 patients (Omicron variant in 17/18) were included: 18 received full combination of 2 antivirals and mAbs and 4 received 2 antivirals only; in 20 of 22 (91%) patients, 2 antivirals were nirmatrelvir/ritonavir plus remdesivir. Nineteen (86%) patients had hematological malignancy, and 15 (68%) had received anti-CD20 therapy. All were symptomatic; 8 (36%) required oxygen. Four patients received a second course of combination treatment. The response rate at day 14, day 30, and last follow-up was 75% (15/20 evaluable), 73% (16/22), and 82% (18/22), respectively. Day 14 and 30 response rates were significantly higher when combination therapy included mAbs. Higher number of vaccine doses was associated with better final outcome. Two patients (9%) developed severe side effects (bradycardia leading to remdesivir discontinuation and myocardial infarction).

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy including 2 antivirals (mainly remdesivir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) and mAbs was associated with high rate of virological and clinical response in immunocompromised patients with prolonged/relapsed COVID-19.

Skin and soft tissue infections due to rapidly growing mycobacteria

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this article is to review skin and soft tissue infections due to rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM), with a particular focus on recently published literature (2021-2022).

RECENT FINDINGS

RGM are increasingly reported as a cause of skin and soft tissue infections, both in the community setting and as a cause of nosocomial outbreaks. Recent advances in molecular methods have expanded the number of species of RGM and resulted in increased diagnosis. New treatment options are under evaluation particularly for Mycobacterium abscessus , the most difficult-to-treat among RGM.

SUMMARY

RGM are an uncommon cause of skin and soft tissue infections and a high clinical suspicion together with advanced laboratory facilities are required for diagnosis. Species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are essential to drive appropriate treatment, which combines surgical debridement with prolonged antimycobacterial combination therapy.

Outcome of early treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with haematological disorders

Outcome of early treatment of COVID-19 with antivirals or anti-spike monoclonal antibodies (MABs) in patients with haematological malignancies (HM) is unknown. A retrospective study of HM patients treated for mild/moderate COVID-19 between March 2021 and July 2022 was performed. The main composite end-point was treatment failure (severe COVID-19 or COVID-19-related death). We included 328 consecutive patients who received MABs (n = 120, 37%; sotrovimab, n = 73) or antivirals (n = 208, 63%; nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, n = 116) over a median of two days after symptoms started; 111 (33.8%) had non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL); 89 (27%) were transplant/CAR-T (chimaeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy) recipients. Most infections (n = 309, 94%) occurred during the Omicron period. Failure developed in 31 patients (9.5%). Its independent predictors were older age, fewer vaccine doses, and treatment with MABs. Rate of failure was lower in the Omicron versus the pre-Omicron period (7.8% versus 36.8%, p < 0.001). During the Omicron period, predictors of failure were age, fewer vaccine doses and diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia/myelodysplastic syndrome (AML/MDS). Independent predictors of longer viral shedding were age, comorbidities, hospital admission at diagnosis, NHL/CLL, treatment with MABs. COVID-19-associated mortality was 3.4% (n = 11). The mortality in those who developed severe COVID-19 after early treatment was 26% in the Omicron period. Patients with HM had a significant risk of failure of early treatment, even during the Omicron period, with high mortality rate.

Case report: Sotrovimab, remdesivir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir combination as salvage treatment option in two immunocompromised patients hospitalized for COVID-19

COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients is difficult to treat. SARS-CoV-2 interaction with the host immune system and the role of therapy still remains only partly understood. There are no data regarding the use of monoclonal antibodies and the combination of two antivirals in fighting viral replication and disease progression. We report the cases of two patients, both treated with rituximab for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and granulomatosis with polyangiitis, respectively, and both hospitalized for COVID-19 with positive SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia, who were successfully treated with a salvage combination therapy with sotrovimab, remdesivir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir.

Loiasis from where you don't expect it: an illustrative case of misled diagnosis

In the absence of pathognomonic signs, the diagnosis of filarial infections relies on geographical exposure and morphology of microfilariae, which requires expertise. We present a case of loiasis in a patient not reporting exposure in areas of known Loa loa endemicity, whose diagnosis was achieved by molecular analysis of microfilariae.

Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies for early treatment of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection in hematologic patients

Efficacy of early treatment with anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection in hematologic patients is unknown. Retrospective, cohort study conducted in four Italian teaching hospitals. We included adult patients with hematologic malignancies and hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosed between November 2020 and December 2021. The principal exposure variable was administration of mAbs. The primary endpoint was clinical failure dea composite outcome of mortality and/or invasive and noninvasive ventilation within 90 days from infection onset. We included 52 patients with hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection. Males were 29 (60%), median age was 62 (interquartile range [IQR] 48-70). Forty-five (86%) patients were on chemotherapy or had received chemotherapy within 30 days. MAbs were administered in 19/52 (36%) patients. Clinical failure occurred in 22 (42%) patients; 21% (4/19) in mAbs group versus 54% (18/33) in non-mAbs group (p = 0.03). Other predictors of clinical failure were older age (median [IQR] 69 [61-72] versus 58 [46-66], p = 0.001), and higher Charlson comorbidity index (median [IQR], 5 [3.25-5] versus 3 [2-5], p = 0.002). At multivariable Cox regression model, mAbs were independently associated with a significantly lower rate of clinical failure (HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01-0.85, p = 0.01), after adjusting for confounders. In conclusion, mAbs are promising for early treatment of hematologic patients with healthcare-related SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Anaerobic bloodstream infections in Italy (ITANAEROBY): A 5-year retrospective nationwide survey

INTRODUCTION

A lack of updated data on the burden and profile of anaerobic bloodstream infections (ABIs) exists. We assessed the incidence of ABIs and trends in antimicrobial resistance in anaerobes isolated from blood in Italy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study on 17 Italian hospitals (2016-2020). Anaerobes isolated from blood culture and their in vitro susceptibility profiles (EUCAST-interpreted) were registered and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 1960 ABIs were identified. The mean age of ABIs patients was 68.6 ± 18.5 years, 57.6% were males. The overall incidence rate of ABIs was 1.01 per 10.000 patient-days. Forty-seven% of ABIs occurred in medical wards, 17% in ICUs, 14% in surgical wards, 7% in hemato-oncology, 14% in outpatients. The three most common anti-anaerobic tested drugs were metronidazole (92%), clindamycin (89%) and amoxicillin/clavulanate (83%). The three most common isolated anaerobes were Bacteroides fragilis (n = 529), Cutibacterium acnes (n = 262) and Clostridium perfringens (n = 134). The lowest resistance rate (1.5%) was to carbapenems, whereas the highest rate (51%) was to penicillin. Clindamycin resistance was >20% for Bacteroides spp., Prevotella spp. and Clostridium spp. Metronidazole resistance was 9.2% after excluding C. acnes and Actinomyces spp. Bacteroides spp. showed an increased prevalence of clindamycin resistance through the study period: 19% in 2016, 33% in 2020 (p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology of ABIs in Italy, filling a gap that has existed since 1995. Caution is needed when clindamycin is used as empirical anti-anaerobic drug.

Mind the gap: IgG4-related disease mimicking infectious cerebral mass lesions

Background

Cerebral intraparenchymal masses represent usually a neoplastic, or infectious differential diagnostic workup in neurology or infectious disease units.

Case presentation

Our patient was an 82-year-old male presenting with seizures, cerebral masses and a history of past treated pulmonary tuberculosis. Initial workup included a differential diagnosis of an infectious mass/multiple abscess. After exclusion of infectious or primary neoplastic origins by negative HIV serology, the absence of immune suppression, endocarditic lesions, negative results of blood cultures and bronchoalveolar lavage, negative cerebrospinal fluid workout on spinal tap led to exclusion of infectious causes. A surgical procedure was performed to access one of the lesions. This yielded a firm, cyst-like mass of histiocytic granulomatous tissue with a conspicuous plasmacellular component and a relevant IgG4 plasmacellular component consistent with IgG4-related disease.

Steroid treatment determined conspicuous improvement and led to discharge of the patient.

Conclusion

Parenchymal IgG4-related disease may be included as a new entity in the differential diagnosis of single or multiple cerebral masses in addition to infectious or neoplastic etiology.

The Longest Persistence of Viable SARS-CoV-2 With Recurrence of Viremia and Relapsing Symptomatic COVID-19 in an Immunocompromised Patient-A Case Study

BACKGROUND

Immunocompromised patients show prolonged shedding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in nasopharyngeal swabs. We report a case of prolonged persistence of viable SARS-CoV-2 associated with clinical relapses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a patient with mantle cell lymphoma who underwent treatment with rituximab, bendamustine, cytarabine with consequent lymphopenia and hypogammaglobulinemia.

METHODS

Nasopharyngeal swabs and blood samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). On 5 positive nasopharyngeal swabs, we performed viral culture and next-generation sequencing. We analyzed the patient's adaptive and innate immunity to characterize T- and NK-cell subsets.

RESULTS

SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs samples remained positive for 268 days. All 5 performed viral cultures were positive, and genomic analysis confirmed a persistent infection with the same strain. Viremia resulted positive in 3 out of 4 COVID-19 clinical relapses and cleared each time after remdesivir treatment. The T- and NK-cell dynamic was different in aviremic and viremic samples, and no SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were detected throughout the disease course.

CONCLUSIONS

In our patient, SARS-CoV-2 persisted with proven infectivity for >8 months. Viremia was associated with COVID-19 relapses, and remdesivir treatment was effective in viremia clearance and symptom remission, although it was unable to clear the virus from the upper respiratory airways. During the viremic phase, we observed a low frequency of terminal effector CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood; these are probably recruited in inflammatory tissue for viral eradication. In addition, we found a high level of NK-cell repertoire perturbation with relevant involvement during SARS-CoV-2 viremia.

Recent advances and future perspectives in the pharmacological treatment of Candida auris infections

INTRODUCTION

Candida auris is responsible for hospital outbreaks worldwide. Some C. auris isolates may show concomitant resistance to azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes, thereby possibly leaving clinicians with few therapeutic options.

AREAS COVERED

Antifungal agents both in early and in late phases of clinical development showing anti-C. auris activity.

EXPERT OPINION

The research on antifungal agents active against C. auris has made important steps forward in recent years: (i) the development of drugs with novel mechanisms of action, such as ibrexafungerp and fosmanogepix, could provide a valid option against C. auris strains resistant to one or more older antifungals, including pan-resistant strains; (ii) rezafungin could allow once weekly administration of an active drug in the case of echinocandin-susceptible isolates, providing an effective outpatient treatment, while at the same time relieving selective pressure on novel classes; (iii) the development of oral formulations could allow step-down therapy and/or early discharge, or even to avoid hospitalization in mild or noninvasive diseases; (iv) according to available data, these novel agents show a good safety profile and a low potential for drug-drug interactions.

The role of PCSK9 in infectious diseases

BACKGROUND

In recent years, many aspects of the physiological role of PCSK9 have been elucidated, particularly regarding its role in lipid metabolism, cardiovascular risk, and its role in innate immunity. Increasing evidence is available about the involvement of PCSK9 in the pathogenesis of viral infections, mainly HCV, and the regulation of host response to bacterial infections, primarily sepsis and septic shock. Moreover, the action of PCSK9 has been investigated as a crucial step in the pathogenesis of malaria infection and disease severity.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to review the available published literature on the role of PCSK9 in a wide array of infectious diseases.

CONCLUSION

Besides the ongoing investigation on PCSK9 inhibition among HIV-infected patients to treat HIV- and ART-related hyperlipidemia, preclinical studies indicate how PCSK9 is involved in reducing the replication of HCV. Interestingly, high plasmatic PCSK9 levels have been described in patients with sepsis. Moreover, a protective role of PCSK9 inhibition has also been proposed against dengue and SARS-CoV-2 viral infections. Finally, a loss of function in the PCSK9-encoding gene has been reported to reduce malaria infection mortality.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid characteristics and outcomes of invasively mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in Genoa, Italy

BACKGROUND

The primary objective of the study is to describe the cellular characteristics of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of COVID-19 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation; the secondary outcome is to describe BALF findings between survivors vs non-survivors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 RT PCR, admitted to ICU between March and April 2020 were enrolled. At ICU admission, BALF were analyzed by flow cytometry. Univariate, multivariate and Spearman correlation analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were enrolled, median age of 64 years (IQR 58-69). The majority cells in the BALF were neutrophils (70%, IQR 37.5-90.5) and macrophages (27%, IQR 7-49) while a minority were lymphocytes, 1%, TCD3+ 92% (IQR 82-95). The ICU mortality was 32.8%. Non-survivors had a significantly older age (p = 0.033) and peripheral lymphocytes (p = 0.012) were lower compared to the survivors. At multivariate analysis the percentage of macrophages in the BALF correlated with poor outcome (OR 1.336, CI95% 1.014-1.759, p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill patients, BALF cellularity is mainly composed of neutrophils and macrophages. The macrophages percentage in the BALF at ICU admittance correlated with higher ICU mortality. The lack of lymphocytes in BALF could partly explain a reduced anti-viral response.

Buruli ulcer in a traveller returning from Madagascar: the first report of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection from the region

We describe a case of Buruli ulcer diagnosed by tissue culture and PCR in a Caucasian male returning from Madagascar where he served as a health-care worker in the Antsiranana region.

To the best of our knowledge, this could be the first case of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection reported in Madagascar.

Clinical characteristics, management and in-hospital mortality of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Genoa, Italy

OBJECTIVES

To describe clinical characteristics, management and outcome of individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); and to evaluate risk factors for all-cause in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

This retrospective study from a University tertiary care hospital in northern Italy, included hospitalized adult patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 between 25 February 2020 and 25 March 2020.

RESULTS

Overall, 317 individuals were enrolled. Their median age was 71 years and 67.2% were male (213/317). The most common underlying diseases were hypertension (149/317; 47.0%), cardiovascular disease (63/317; 19.9%) and diabetes (49/317; 15.5%). Common symptoms at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis included fever (285/317; 89.9%), shortness of breath (167/317; 52.7%) and dry cough (156/317; 49.2%). An 'atypical' presentation including at least one among mental confusion, diarrhoea or nausea and vomiting was observed in 53/317 patients (16.7%). Hypokalaemia occurred in 25.8% (78/302) and 18.5% (56/303) had acute kidney injury. During hospitalization, 111/317 patients (35.0%) received non-invasive respiratory support, 65/317 (20.5%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 60/317 (18.5%) required invasive mechanical ventilation. All-cause in-hospital mortality, assessed in 275 patients, was 43.6% (120/275). On multivariable analysis, age (per-year increase OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.04-1.10; p < 0.001), cardiovascular disease (OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.07-6.25; p 0.03), and C-reactive protein levels (per-point increase OR 1.009; 95% CI 1.004-1.014; p 0.001) were independent risk factors for all-cause in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 mainly affected elderly patients with predisposing conditions and caused severe illness, frequently requiring non-invasive respiratory support or ICU admission. Despite supportive care, COVID-19 remains associated with a substantial risk of all-cause in-hospital mortality.

Tocilizumab and steroid treatment in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to respiratory failure due to severe immune response. Treatment targeting this immune response might be beneficial but there is limited evidence on its efficacy. The aim of this study was to determine if early treatment of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with tocilizumab and/or steroids was associated with better outcome.

METHODS

This observational single-center study included patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who were not intubated and received either standard of care (SOC, controls) or SOC plus early (within 3 days from hospital admission) anti-inflammatory treatment. SOC consisted of hydroxychloroquine 400mg bid plus, in those admitted before March 24th, also darunavir/ritonavir. Anti-inflammatory treatment consisted of either tocilizumab (8mg/kg intravenously or 162mg subcutaneously) or methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg for 5 days or both. Failure was defined as intubation or death, and the endpoints were failure-free survival (primary endpoint) and overall survival (secondary) at day 30. Difference between the groups was estimated as Hazard Ratio by a propensity score weighted Cox regression analysis (HROW).

RESULTS

Overall, 196 adults were included in the analyses. They were mainly male (67.4%), with comorbidities (78.1%) and severe COVID-19 pneumonia (83.7%). Median age was 67.9 years (range, 30-100) and median PaO2/FiO2 200 mmHg (IQR 133-289). Among them, 130 received early anti-inflammatory treatment with: tocilizumab (n = 29, 22.3%), methylprednisolone (n = 45, 34.6%), or both (n = 56, 43.1%). The adjusted failure-free survival among tocilizumab/methylprednisolone/SOC treated patients vs. SOC was 80.8% (95%CI, 72.8-86.7) vs. 64.1% (95%CI, 51.3-74.0), HROW 0.48, 95%CI, 0.23-0.99; p = 0.049. The overall survival among tocilizumab/methylprednisolone/SOC patients vs. SOC was 85.9% (95%CI, 80.7-92.6) vs. 71.9% (95%CI, 46-73), HROW 0.41, 95%CI: 0.19-0.89, p = 0.025.

CONCLUSION

Early adjunctive treatment with tocilizumab, methylprednisolone or both may improve outcomes in non-intubated patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Respiratory Fungal Diseases in Adult Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

Clinical manifestations of respiratory fungal diseases in adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are very heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic colonization to chronic infections, allergic disorders, or invasive diseases in immunosuppressed CF patients after lung transplantation. In this narrative review, mainly addressed to clinicians without expertise in CF who may nonetheless encounter adult CF patients presenting with acute and chronic respiratory syndromes, we briefly summarize the most representative clinical aspects of respiratory fungal diseases in adult CF patients.