Risk Factors for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Critically Ill Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Recently, several publications reported on coronavirus disease 2019-Associated pulmonary aspergillosis. However, risk factors remain unclear. We retrospectively collected all the cases of coronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome patients (n = 46) admitted to our 34-bed ICU between March 24, 2020, and May 25, 2020, and identified six patients that met the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis according to previously established definitions. This population exhibited higher severity scores at admission and less hospital discharge compared with noninvasive pulmonary aspergillosis patients. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malnutrition, and systemic corticosteroid use were identified as risk factors for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in coronavirus disease 2019-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome patients. Coronavirus disease 2019-Associated pulmonary aspergillosis may be a serious concern regarding corticosteroids use to control the inflammatory response of coronavirus disease 2019-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome.