Management of invasive aspergillosis in high-risk patients

Ali J Olyaei1

  • 1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA.

Managed Care Interface
|April 30, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing and treating invasive aspergillosis is challenging. Newer therapies offer improved outcomes and reduced costs compared to traditional treatments, which often cause severe side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Invasive aspergillosis presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
  • Conventional treatments for Aspergillus infections are often toxic, leading to complications and increased healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical manifestations of Aspergillus infections.
  • To discuss current and emerging therapeutic strategies for invasive aspergillosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical presentations of Aspergillus infections.
  • Analysis of therapeutic approaches, including novel pharmaceutical agents.

Main Results:

  • Invasive aspergillosis requires careful diagnosis and management.
  • Newer antifungal agents demonstrate potential for better efficacy and safety profiles.

Conclusions:

  • Emerging therapies for invasive aspergillosis may improve patient outcomes.
  • Optimized treatment strategies can potentially reduce the economic burden of aspergillosis.

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment01:25

Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment

Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
Asthma-IV: Nursing Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Nursing Management

The nursing management of asthma is a comprehensive approach that relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. It involves thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, strategic planning, effective implementation, and diligent evaluation. By meticulously following this step-by-step process, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing the best possible care and treatment for patients with asthma, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
First, in...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
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...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
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...
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include: