Diagnostics
Despite our proposed algorithm GM was more often measured (overall: 94%
vs. 40%, p <0.001) in patients with IAPA than those without
IAPA (table 2). GM was positive in serum in 57% vs. 3% and in BAL in
42% vs. 0% (p <0.001) of patients with IAPA and without
IAPA. Cultural growth of Aspergillus spp. was observed in 88% of
patients with IAPA and in one non-IAPA patient in whom BAL was performed
(p <0.001). All patients with IAPA had radiological
infiltrates on chest x-ray or computer tomography (CT) -scan compared to
83% of non-IAPA patients (p=0.08). IAPA was proven in one patient with
histopathological evidence of invasive aspergillosis, all other patients
were classified as probable IAPA (94%).