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Updated: Oct 22, 2026
Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Temporal Trends in Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis Among Critically Ill Patients: Serum Galactomannan Testing
Chang-June Choi1, Suah Sung2, Yurim Kang2
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Armed Forces Daejeon Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
Objectives:
We evaluated temporal trends in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) incidence in relation to serum galactomannan (GM) testing intensity and compared outcomes by classical host-risk status.
Methods:
Adults with ICU stays ≥72 hours during 2017-2024 were retrospectively screened for proven/probable IPA. Consensus EORTC/MSGERC and FUNDICU definitions defined the primary cohort. Modified criteria were exploratory. Negative binomial and Cox regression assessed incidence and 30-day mortality.
Results:
Among 11,707 ICU stays, 135 patients met consensus definitions; 55 (40.7%) lacked classical host risk factors, rising to 48.9% under modified criteria. IPA incidence increased over time (IRR/year 1.40; 95% CI 1.06-1.85). After adjustment for serum GM testing intensity, the calendar-year IRR was 0.73 (95% CI 0.54-0.98), whereas testing intensity was strongly associated with measured incidence (IRR 6.15; 95% CI 2.81-13.43). Patients without classical host risk factors received antifungal therapy less often (12.7% vs 67.5%) and had higher crude 30-day mortality (58.2% vs 36.2%). The adjusted host-status association was attenuated (aHR 1.48; 95% CI 0.82-2.66).
Conclusions:
The temporal rise in measured IPA incidence was associated with serum GM testing intensity, underscoring diagnostic ascertainment. Patients without classical host risk factors were treated less often and had higher mortality, although the adjusted association was attenuated.
