[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
Abstract:
Haemorraghic necrotizing pancreatitis may lead to a serious disease with multi-organ failure, which is to be treated with intensive care. Patients suffering from infected necrosis are usually operated (necrosectomy). By doing this, it is possible to get a microbiological analysis. The most common virulent species are Enterobacteriaceae. According to the literature, fungal infections appear in 15-30% of the cases. Since 1996, 73 patients were treated surgically in our department. A number of 50 patients (68,5%) developed a fungal infection during the course of the disease. The mortality rate was 62%.
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.
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