[Fungal infections in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis: risk-factors, incidence, therapy]

P Kujath1, M Rosenfeldt, H Esnaashari

  • 1Klinik für Chirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany. kujath-luebeck@t-online.de

Mycoses
|April 14, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections are common in patients with severe necrotizing pancreatitis requiring surgery. This study found a high incidence of fungal infections and a significant mortality rate in these critically ill patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis is a severe condition often leading to multi-organ failure and requiring intensive care.
  • Surgical intervention (necrosectomy) is common for infected necrosis, allowing for microbiological analysis.
  • Enterobacteriaceae are the most frequent bacterial pathogens, while fungal infections are reported in 15-30% of cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and outcomes of fungal infections in patients undergoing surgical treatment for necrotizing pancreatitis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 73 patients surgically treated for necrotizing pancreatitis between 1996 and the present.
  • Microbiological analysis of surgical specimens to identify fungal pathogens.
  • Evaluation of patient outcomes, including mortality rates.

Main Results:

  • A high incidence of fungal infections was observed, affecting 68.5% (50 out of 73) of surgically treated patients.
  • The overall mortality rate in this cohort was 62%.
  • Enterobacteriaceae were the most common bacterial species identified.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal infections are highly prevalent in patients with surgically treated necrotizing pancreatitis, significantly exceeding previously reported rates.
  • The high mortality rate underscores the severity of this complication and the need for effective management strategies.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and optimize treatment for fungal infections in this patient population.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:30

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology01:21

Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis centers on injury to pancreatic acinar cells, which initiates a cascade of harmful intracellular events.This injury leads to premature activation of trypsinogen to trypsin in the pancreas. Trypsin then activates other digestive enzymes, such as chymotrypsin, elastase, and phospholipase A2, which begin breaking down pancreatic tissue. The resulting autodigestion causes local inflammation, tissue swelling, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis.Injured acinar cells...
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,...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care01:29

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care

The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:24

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...