Changing Trends in the Survival of Immunosuppressed Children with Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis

Background Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis has been associated with high mortality rates. Objective We aimed to explore the contribution of novel detection and treatment methods on the outcome of immunosuppressed children with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Methods The records of all children with a hematologic or oncologic disease who developed acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis between 2005-2020 were reviewed. Results Thirty-four patients were included. Aspergillosis and mucormycosis were diagnosed in 20 patients (59%) and 12 patients (35%), respectively. Panfungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was associated with a change of treatment in 36% of patients. A more aggressive surgical approach as well as treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and novel antifungals were adopted in recent years. Overall, 26% of patients died of disease, however no disease-specific death occurred since 2012. Diagnosis using panfungal PCR (p = .04) and treatment with novel antifungal medications (p = .017) were significantly associated with disease-specific survival. Conclusion Enhanced fungal detection using panfungal PCR and treatment with novel antifungal agents, combined with rapid diagnosis and treatment, aggressive surgical approach and better control over the underlying oncological disease, may significantly improve the outcome of immunosuppressed children with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.