Clinical features and risk factors for patients with liver failure complicated by invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features and risk factors for patients with liver failure complicated by invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), and to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. MethodsThe clinical data of 477 patients with liver failure who were diagnosed and treated in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from January 2010 to December 2014 were collected, and the clinical features, laboratory markers, and results of imaging examinations of patients with IPA were retrospectively analyzed. Another 49 patients with liver failure who were hospitalized within the same period, had similar ages, and were not complicated by pulmonary infection were randomly selected as controls. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, the chi-square test or Fisher′s exact test were used for comparison of categorical data between groups, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for liver failure complicated by IPA. ResultsAmong the 447 patients with liver failure, 43(96%) were complicated by IPA. Age (P=0.023), hepatic encephalopathy (P=0.021), long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (P=0.007), use of hormone (P=0.016), and deep venous catheterization (P＜0.001) were independent risk factors for the development of IPA. Clinical manifestations of liver failure patients with IPA lacked specificity. Lung CT scan showed multiple nodules, masses, and wedge-shaped consolidation near the pleura in both lungs, but typical halo sign and air crescent sign were rarely seen. Among the 35 patients who received antifungal therapy, 30 were improved or cured, 3 died of digestive tract bleeding, 2 clied of plumonary infection, and all the other patients who did not receive therapy also died. ConclusionPatients with liver failure have various risk factors for the development of IPA, and the clinical manifestations are not typical, with high incidence and fatality rates. Early detection and treatment is the key to improving survival rates.