Research Keyword: extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Invasive Fungal Infections in Orthotopic Heart Transplant Patients: Incidence and Risk Factors in the Modern Era

This study examined fungal infections in heart transplant patients at Cleveland Clinic between 2010-2020. Researchers found that about 5% of heart transplant patients developed serious fungal infections, with Candida being the most common culprit. Patients with previous fungal infections, those who needed additional surgeries after transplant, and those requiring life support machines (ECMO) had the highest risk. Heart transplant patients with fungal infections had much worse survival rates, suggesting the need for better prevention strategies using antifungal medications.

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Life-threatening airway stenosis due to Scedosporium infection during nontuberculous mycobacteria treatment: A case report

A 73-year-old woman with arthritis treated with immunosuppressive drugs and a lung infection developed a life-threatening narrowing of her airway caused by a rare fungal infection called Scedosporium apiospermum. Doctors used a combination of emergency measures including a breathing support machine, insertion of a special tube to keep the airway open, and strong antifungal medication to treat the infection. After six months of treatment, the fungal infection was completely gone and the special airway tube was successfully removed, allowing normal healing.

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