Does the neutrophil count or function influence response?
• Does the rate of progression of invasive aspergillosis affect outcome? • Does the body organ affected influence outcome? • Does surgical intervention affect outcome? • Is susceptibility testing of Aspergillus useful to predict clinical management? In this brief overview, I will touch on these points and summarize the state of clinical management 5 years later. This is important because the incidence of invasive aspergillosis continues to rise and mortality rates remain high. Do a Patient’s Underlying Risk Factors Alter the Diagnostic Approach? There have been clear advances in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in the neutropenic leukemic patient. The use of computed tomography (CT) scans during neutropenia has allowed earlier interventions (including surgery and switching of therapy) and better outcomes.[2] Caillot et al in Dijon, France, pioneered the use of systematic CT scanning in patients with febrile neutropenia.[2] This allows recognition of the halo sign (ground glass o
