Liver Cirrhosis Patients With Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: in Depth Understanding Clinical Host Risk Factors

Liver Cirrhosis Patients With Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: in Depth Understanding Clinical Host Risk Factors

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a life-threatening fungal infection of the respiratory system, caused by a specific fungus called Aspergillus species. It is already known that patients with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of developing this disease. Recently, it has also been shown that patients with viral pneumonia (such as influenza or COVID-19) and patients with liver cirrhosis who are admitted to the intensive care unit are also vulnerable to this infection.

This study aims to better define the epidemiology, clinical risk factors, outcomes, and treatment of IPA in ACLF patients admitted to the ICU. By combining clinical data with histological findings from autopsies, the study seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy, risk prediction, and timely initiation of antifungal therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All adults (≥ 18 years old)
• Chronic liver disease
• Admission to the Medical Intensive Care Unit of University Hospitals of Leuven

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients < 18 years
• Recent history of invasive pulmonary aspergilosis and/or invasive candidiasis (<1 month before ICU admission) and/or active treatment for IPA and/or invasive candidiasis