Pulmonary aspergillosis; invasive type

Alternative names:

acute invasive aspergillosis; aspergillosis - acute invasive

Treatment:

The objective of therapy for patients with invasive aspergillosis is to control the infection by antifungal medication, and to reverse any correctable immunosuppression. Surgical removal of foreign or infected tissue (debridement) from the sinuses may be necessary. Hospitalization will probably be necessary. It is usually necessary to stop giving the patient immunosuppressive drugs and begin treatment with granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF).

Expectations (prognosis):

The death rate for patients with invasive aspergillosis is almost 50%.

Complications:

This infection can cause damage to multiple organs, eventually causing multi-organ system failure.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop. An early diagnosis may improve the chance of a good outcome.

Updated Date: 02/09/00

Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial