Risk factors associated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in severe COVID-19 patients: a casecontrol study.

Introduction: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) have been described. Possible risk factors for the development of this condition have been proposed, although evidence in Latin American populations is limited. The objectives were to identify risk factors for the development of CAPA and describe the characteristics of this infection.

Materials and methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted. The population consisted of adult patients with severe COVID-19, hospitalized in ICU and who had undergone diagnostic tests for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

Results: Seventy-five patients were evaluated, 21 in the case group and 54 in the control group. 64% were male, with an average age of 62.7 years. It was found that a history of diabetes (OR 3.3, CI 1.09-9.95, p=0.03), smoking (OR 3.47, CI 1.20-10, p=0.02), coronary artery disease (OR 5, CI 1.24-20.08, p=0.02), and a Charlson score equal to or greater than 5 (OR 1.27, CI 1-1.60, p=0.013) could be associated with the development of CAPA. Most cases were considered as possible CAPA (87.5%). The time between orotracheal intubation to the diagnosis of CAPA was 11.5 days. Fever was the most common symptom (90%), and only 24% of patients had compatible radiographic findings. Mortality in the case group was 61.9%.

Discussion: A history of diabetes, smoking, coronary artery disease, and a Charlson score equal to or greater than 5 may increase the risk of developing CAPA.