Clinical characteristics and risk factors of 27 liver failure patients complicated by invasive fungal infections

To investigate the clinical feature, risk factors and outcome of treatment in patients with liver failure complicated by invasive fungal infections. Retrospective analysis of the clinical data and related factors of 27 patients with liver failure complicated by invasive fungal infections was performed. These patients were admitted from January 2007 to August 2009 in our department. Among them, Candida albicans accounted for 17cases (54.84%), albicans tropicals for 4 cases (12.90%). Fungal infection in respiratory tract and alimentary tract accounted for 58.06% and 11% respectively. 81.25% of them had fever fluctuating from 37.4C to 40C. 81.25% had elevated white blood cell counts .All had the usage of broad-spectrum of antibiotics, whereas some of them used corticosteroids and had invasive medical manipulation for the treatment. Most patients deteriorated after invasive fungal infections. 21 cases accepted with the treatment of antifungal drugs and mortality rate was 63.00%. It was found that the invasive fungal infection possibility of patients with liver failure significantly increased. To prevent the occurrence of invasive fungal infection, promptly early treatment of liver failure, proper use of antibiotics, cautious use or disuse of corticosteroids, reduction of invasive medical manipulation should be well done. Early detection and treatment of fungal infection are vital to decrease in mortality rate.