Incidence and risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019-associated pulmonary aspergillosis using administrative claims data

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is one of the noticeable complications of COVID-19 and its incidence varies widely. In Japan, research on the incidence, risk factors and mortality associated with CAPA is limited.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the incidence and potential risk factors for CAPA in patients with severe or critical COVID-19 and evaluate the relationship between CAPA and mortality of patients with severe or critical COVID-19.

Methods: We investigated the incidence of CAPA in patients with severe and critical COVID-19 using administrative claims data from acute care hospitals in Japan. We employed multivariable regression models to explore potential risk factors for CAPA and their contribution to mortality in patients with severe and critical COVID-19.

Results: The incidence of CAPA was 0.4%-2.7% in 33,136 patients with severe to critical COVID-19. Age, male sex, chronic lung disease, steroids, immunosuppressants, intensive care unit admission, blood transfusion and dialysis were potential risk factors for CAPA in patients with severe to critical COVID-19. CAPA was an independent factor associated with mortality.

Conclusions: CAPA is a serious complication in patients with severe and critical COVID-19 and may increase mortality.

Keywords: COVID‐19; COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis; administrative claims database; aspergillosis.