Factors Associated with Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation and 30-Day Mortality in Intubated COVID-19 Patients with Invasive Fungal Infections: A Retrospective Observational Study

COVID-19-associated invasive fungal infections (CAIFIs) contribute to increased mortality and morbidity rates. This study explores the epidemiology, laboratory parameters, radiological characteristics, treatments, and 30-day mortality risks of CAIFI in critically ill intubated patients while also ev...

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Main Authors: Hung Manh Than, Thang Van Dao, Truong Van Cao, Tuyen Van Duong, Thach Ngoc Pham, Cap Trung Nguyen, Phu Dinh Vu, Nam Van Le, Binh Nhu Do, Phuong Viet Nguyen, Ha Nhi Vu, Duong Minh Vu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2414-6366/10/5/124
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Summary:COVID-19-associated invasive fungal infections (CAIFIs) contribute to increased mortality and morbidity rates. This study explores the epidemiology, laboratory parameters, radiological characteristics, treatments, and 30-day mortality risks of CAIFI in critically ill intubated patients while also evaluating factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in this population. Adults admitted to a tertiary hospital from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 who were diagnosed with severe COVID-19, required invasive mechanical ventilation, and developed invasive fungal infection (IFI) during hospitalization were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. Among 150 patients, 65 (43.3%) required PMV, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 64%. <i>Candida albicans</i> (47%) and <i>Aspergillus fumigatus</i> (27%) were the most prevalent pathogens. Multivariate analysis revealed that COVID-19 vaccination (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 0.155, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 0.029–0.835, <i>p</i> = 0.030) and higher serum protein levels (aOR = 0.900, 95% CI = 0.819–0.989, <i>p</i> = 0.028) were significantly associated with a reduced risk of PMV. Meanwhile, elevated glucose levels (hazard ratio, HR = 1.047, 95% CI = 1.003–1.093, <i>p</i> = 0.036) and an increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HR = 1.024, 95% CI = 1.009–1.039, <i>p</i> = 0.002) were correlated with a greater 30-day mortality risk. Tracheostomy emerged as a protective factor, significantly reducing the risk of 30-day mortality (HR = 0.273, 95% CI = 0.127–0.589, <i>p</i> = 0.001). In this single-center study, patients with CAIFI exhibit a high mortality rate. Clinicians should maintain vigilance for IFI in critically ill COVID-19 patients with mechanical ventilation.
ISSN:2414-6366