Fungal infection in heart transplant recipients with severe sepsis: Single-center experience
Journal
Transplantation Proceedings
Journal Volume
42
Journal Issue
3
Pages
952-954
Date Issued
2010
Author(s)
Wu I.W.
Tsao C.I.
Ko W.J.
Chu S.H.
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe in heart transplant recipients severe sepsis due to fungal infection, which is associated with high mortality. This was a retrospective study including 366 patients who underwent heart transplantation from 1987 to 2009 in whom severe sepsis due to fungal infection developed, with multiple-organ failure. Sepsis was diagnosed on the basis of a positive culture for the infective agent, such as Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, Candida, or Nocardia, from an appropriate source such as blood, wound, or sputum. In 10 patients, severe sepsis due to fungal infection was treated temporally by reducing or sparing immunosuppression; 7 of these patients survived after intensive care. Only 1 patient required pulsed therapy because of an acute rejection episode. Early diagnosis with aggressive diagnostic techniques and use of combination therapy must be considered to reduce the risk of death in heart transplant recipients with fungal infection. ? 2010 Elsevier Inc.
SDGs
Other Subjects
antifungal agent; adult; article; drug combination; extracorporeal oxygenation; female; heart transplantation; human; intensive care; male; middle aged; mortality; multiple organ failure; mycosis; retrospective study; sepsis; survival rate; Adult; Antifungal Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; Female; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Intensive Care; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Organ Failure; Mycoses; Retrospective Studies; Sepsis; Survival Rate
Type
conference paper