[Diagnosis and treatment of lung aspergillosis after liver transplantation]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2026
Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Qi-yuan Lin1, Yong-heng Zhao, Lü-nan Yan
1Department of Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Objective:
To assess the diagnosis and treatment of invasive lung aspergillosis after liver transplantation.
Methods:
Routine sputum culture was performed. Itraconazole and fluconazole were used to prevent fungal infection prophylactically. Amphyotericin B was only used on aspergillosis. In 54 patients receiving, liver transplantation, 3 patients with lung aspergillosis were reviewed.
Results:
Of the 3 patients 2 died and 1 recovered.
Conclusions:
Over-immunosuppression is a main risk factor for aspergillosis. Amphotericin B is still the best choice for the treatment of aspergillosis and its gradual, interrupted, low concentration administration, cooperated with itraconazole can ease the side effects.
Insights
Invasive lung aspergillosis after liver transplantation is a serious complication. Over-immunosuppression is a key risk factor, and Amphotericin B remains the primary treatment choice.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Transplant Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Liver transplantation recipients are susceptible to opportunistic infections.
- Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis poses a significant threat in post-transplant settings.
Observation:
- A review of 54 liver transplant patients identified 3 cases of invasive lung aspergillosis.
- Diagnosis involved routine sputum cultures.
- Prophylactic antifungals included itraconazole and fluconazole; Amphotericin B was reserved for confirmed aspergillosis.
Findings:
- Two out of three patients diagnosed with lung aspergillosis unfortunately died.
- One patient diagnosed with lung aspergillosis survived.
Implications:
- Excessive immunosuppression is identified as a primary risk factor for developing aspergillosis.
- Amphotericin B is recommended as the optimal treatment, with administration strategies to mitigate side effects.
- Combination therapy with itraconazole may improve tolerability and efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis