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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Invasive aspergillosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a SEIFEM-2008 registry study
Livio Pagano1, Morena Caira, Anna Candoni
1M.D. Istituto di Ematologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1 I-00168 Roma, Italia. lpagano@rm.unicatt.it
Background:
The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors, treatments and outcome of invasive aspergillosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia based on data collected in a registry.
Design And Methods:
The registry, which was activated in 2004 and closed in 2007, collected data on patients with acute myeloid leukemia, admitted to 21 hematologic divisions in tertiary care centers or university hospitals in Italy, who developed proven or probable invasive aspergillosis.
Results:
One hundred and forty cases of invasive aspergillosis were collected, with most cases occurring during the period of post-induction aplasia, the highest risk phase in acute myeloid leukemia. The mortality rate attributable to invasive aspergillosis was 27%, confirming previous reports of a downward trend in this rate. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the stage of acute myeloid leukemia and the duration of, and recovery from, neutropenia were independent prognostic factors. We analyzed outcomes after treatment with the three most frequently used drugs (liposomal amphotericin B, caspofungin, voriconazole). No differences emerged in survival at day 120 or in the overall response rate which was 71%, ranging from 61% with caspofungin to 84% with voriconazole.
Conclusions:
Our series confirms the downward trend in mortality rates reported in previous series, with all new drugs providing similar survival and response rates. Recovery from neutropenia and disease stage are crucial prognostic factors. Efficacious antifungal drugs bridge the period of maximum risk due to poor hematologic and immunological reconstitution.
Insights
This study on invasive aspergillosis in acute myeloid leukemia patients shows a declining mortality rate. Recovery from neutropenia and disease stage are key prognostic factors for survival.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Invasive aspergillosis is a serious complication in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.
- Understanding prognostic factors and treatment outcomes is crucial for improving patient survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate prognostic factors, treatments, and outcomes of invasive aspergillosis in AML patients.
- To analyze data from a dedicated registry for insights into this critical condition.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from a registry (2004-2007) involving 140 AML patients with invasive aspergillosis.
- Analysis included univariate and multivariate assessments of prognostic factors.
- Outcomes were compared across three primary antifungal treatments: liposomal amphotericin B, caspofungin, and voriconazole.
Main Results:
- A 27% mortality rate was observed, continuing a downward trend.
- Key independent prognostic factors identified were AML disease stage and neutropenia duration/recovery.
- Overall response rate was 71%, with no significant survival differences among the analyzed antifungal drugs at day 120.
Conclusions:
- Mortality rates for invasive aspergillosis in AML are decreasing.
- Recovery from neutropenia and disease stage are critical prognostic indicators.
- Newer antifungal agents offer similar survival and response rates, effectively managing risk during hematologic recovery.
