Introduction: Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure(ACLF) is a syndrome characterized by organ dysfunction and high mortality in cirrhotic patients. ACLF has multiple triggers but those precipitated by fungal infection have higher mortality. Early detection and treatment of candidemia have shown mortality benefits in ACLF. The sensitivity of blood cultures ranged from 21% - 71%. Given the increase in mortality, it is vital to have a quick yet reliable diagnostic test for the detection of candida. This study examines the risk of developing ACLF and its impact on survival in hospitalized cirrhotic patients with invasive fungal infection via a positive T2Candida Panel. We also examine the effects of earlier treatment on mortality in those with a positive T2Candida Panel.
Methods: We performed a retrospective study and included cirrhotic patients admitted from 2017-2021. Data collected includes baseline characteristics, labs, progression to ACLF, and mortality outcomes. The stages of ACLF were determined through the use of the CLIF-Consortium ACLF score.
Results: Of the 489 patients sampled, 95 patients developed ACLF during the time of the T2 panel collection, of which 60 (63.2%) (p≤0.001) patients had a positive T2Candida Panel. The data also demonstrates that patients who had earlier antifungal initiation had a decrease in mortality (6.15 ± 5.23 versus 13.53 ± 11.42)(p≤001).
Conclusion: Our study shows that a positive T2 Panel leads to more frequent progression of ACLF and worsening survival outcomes. This study shows that earlier treatment of candidiasis via the T2 Panel leads to mortality benefits.
Keywords: Acute-on-Chronic Liver failure; Candidemia; Systemic Fungal infection; T2 Candida Panel.
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