Diagnosing Invasive Aspergillosis in ICU Patients

Among 110 patients at risk, elevated BAL-fluid galactomannan levels had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 87% in diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a frequent complication in highly immunosuppressed patients. Galactomannan (GM), a polysaccharide fungal cell wall component that is released during tissue invasion by Aspergillus, can be detected in various body fluids. Might GM in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid be used as a tool for early diagnosis of IPA?

To investigate this possibility, researchers in Belgium conducted a prospective study involving 110 adults admitted to their ICU between July 2005 and December 2006 with risk factors for IPA (i.e., malignancy, solid-organ transplantation, cirrhosis, HIV infection, or use of immunosuppressive medication). All patients fulfilled at least two of three additional criteria: refractory or relapsing…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Diagnosing Invasive Aspergillosis in ICU Patients

Topics

Reviewing Author