Background: The objective was to identify management strategies of IFI in critically ill patients through a Spanish national survey.
Methods: A cross-sectional multicentre survey among ICU specialist, experienced in IFI was performed (22-April-25-July 2024). The survey consisted of 13 questions with four closed answers.
Results: Sixty-three experts from 51 hospitals of 16 regions completed the survey. 95% stated that, in high-risk patients with clinical suspicion of Pulmonary Aspergillosis (PA), request galactomannan in BAL to initiate treatment. In the treatment of patients with PA and influenza, 86% declared that isavuconazole and liposomal amphotericin B are recommended treatments and in high suspicion of aspergillus coinfection, 76% recommended empirical treatment waiting for microbiological confirmation. 90% declared that the use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Renal Replacement Therapies (RRT) could be associated with lower azole levels. Regarding intraabdominal candidiasis, 78% that physiopathological changes in critically ill patients, reduce their entry into the peritoneal fluid.
Conclusion: The majority of the experts agreed (>80%) on:
• In suspicion of PA, Galactomannan in BAL to guide treatment is mandatory
• In case of aspergillosis and influenza, isavuconazole and liposomal amphotericin B are the recommended treatments.
• The use of ECMO and RRT could be associated with lower azole levels.