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Fungal infections in ventricular assist devices

S P Goldberg1, J W Baddley, M F Aaron

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294-0007, USA.

ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|December 8, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections are a significant risk for patients with mechanical circulatory support devices. This review covers Candida infections, immune system effects, and management strategies for ventricular assist device patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

  • Device infections pose a critical challenge for patients with mechanical circulatory support systems, especially with increasing permanent device use.
  • Fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species, are a serious concern in critically ill, hospitalized patients requiring these devices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the nature of fungal colonization and infection in patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs).
  • To explore the impact of the artificial surface-blood interface on the immune system's response to fungal organisms.
  • To provide a foundation for understanding fungal-host interactions and inform clinical management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on fungal infections in VAD patients.
  • Analysis of the effects of artificial surfaces on host immunity.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on fungal-host interactions.

Main Results:

  • Candida species are a primary cause of fungal infections in VAD recipients.
  • The artificial surface-blood interface can impair the immune system's ability to fight fungal infections.
  • Understanding fungal-host interactions is crucial for effective management.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal infections, especially Candida, are a major complication in ventricular assist device patients.
  • Management strategies must address the unique challenges posed by the artificial device-blood interface and host immune status.
  • Preventing and treating these infections requires a comprehensive approach based on fungal biology and clinical presentation.

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