Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Routine Blood Parameters Predict Invasive Aspergillosis Prognosis

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 19 Nov 2019
Aspergillosis occurs in chronic or acute forms which are clinically very distinct. More...
Most cases of acute aspergillosis occur in patients with severely compromised immune systems, e.g. those undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Symptoms include fever, chills, shock, delirium, seizures, and blood clots.

Acute invasive aspergillosis occurs when the immune system fails to prevent Aspergillus spores from entering the bloodstream via the lungs. Without the body mounting an effective immune response, fungal cells are free to disseminate throughout the body and can infect major organs such as the heart and kidneys. The patient may develop kidney failure, liver failure (causing jaundice), and breathing difficulties and death can occur quickly.

A large team of scientists working with the National University of Singapore (Singapore) performed a post-hoc secondary analysis of two multicenter randomized trials. The Global Comparative Aspergillosis Study (GCA, N=123) and the Combination Antifungal Study (CAS, N=251) constituted the discovery and validation cohorts respectively. The outcome measures were response to treatment and survival to 12 weeks. Interval platelet, galactomannan index (GMI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels prior and during anti-fungal treatment were analyzed.

The investigators reported that the 12-week survival was 70.7% and 63.7% for the GCA and CAS cohorts respectively. In the GCA cohort, every 10×109/L platelet count increase at week 2 and 4 improved 12-week survival odds by 6-18% (Odds ratio [OR] 1.06-1.18). Survival odds also improved 13% with every 10 mg/dL CRP drop at week 1 and 2 (OR 0.87). In the CAS cohort, week 2 platelet count was also associated with 12-week survival with 10% improved odds for every 10×109/L platelet increase (OR, 1.10). A GMI drop of 0.1 units was additionally found to increase the odds of treatment response by 3% at the baseline of week 0 (OR 0.97). Week 2 platelet and CRP levels performed better than GMI on ROC analyses for survival (area under ROC curve 0.76, 0.87 and 0.67 respectively). A baseline platelet count higher than 30×109/L clearly identified patients with > 75% survival probability.

The authors concluded that higher serial platelets were associated with overall survival while GMI trends were linked to invasive aspergillosis treatment response. Routine and simple laboratory indices may aid follow-up of response in invasive aspergillosis patients. The study was published on October 24, 2019 in the journal Clinical Microbiology and Infection.

Related Links:
National University of Singapore


Gold Member
Troponin T QC
Troponin T Quality Control
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Silver Member
Quality Control Material
Multichem ID-B
New
Integrated Biochemical & Immunological System
Biolumi CX8
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Pancreatic cancer diagnosis (Photo courtesy of World Journal of Gastroenterology)

AI-Driven Preliminary Testing for Pancreatic Cancer Enhances Prognosis

Pancreatic cancer poses a major global health threat due to its high mortality rate, with 467,409 deaths and 510,992 new cases reported worldwide in 2022. Often referred to as the "king" of all cancers,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.