Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in children with hepatic transplant: a survivor

Abstract

Introduction: Mycotic infections due to Aspergillus spp, are the main mycotic associated infections in liver transplant patients, with mortality rates up to 90% of the cases. Almost 50% of patients will develop an infection during the first months after transplantation, of which 10% are associated with opportunistic agents.

Objective: To describe the diagnosis and management of an Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA) episode in a liver transplant patient. Case report: 11-months-old patient with liver transplant due to a biliary atresia who developed severe pneumonia associated with mechanical
ventilation. The bronchoalveolar lavage showed high levels of galactomannan and positive culture
for Aspergillus fumigatus leading to an IPA diagnosis. This episode was treated with antifungal with a favorable outcome.

Conclusion: The IPA is an opportunistic infection in liver transplant patients, with high mortality rates, that must be suspected in this group of patients since an early diagnosis and treatment reduce mortality.