Overview
Cutaneous aspergillosis is a fungal infection affecting the skin, typically caused by Aspergillus species, often seen in immunocompromised individuals but rare in preterm infants 1.Diagnosis
Clinical presentation includes skin lesions such as nodules, abscesses, or ulcers 1.
Histopathological examination showing fungal hyphae is crucial for diagnosis 1.
Culture of skin lesions can confirm Aspergillus species identification 1.
Imaging may be necessary to assess extent and involvement beyond the skin 1.Management
First-line therapy: Liposomal amphotericin B 1.
Adjunctive treatments: Surgical debridement for localized lesions 1.
Alternative therapy: Voriconazole, though its use requires caution due to potential toxicity in preterm infants 1.Special Populations
Pediatrics (preterm infants): Voriconazole use is cautioned due to severe toxicity risks 1.Key Recommendations
Initiate treatment with liposomal amphotericin B for primary cutaneous aspergillosis in preterm infants (Evidence: Moderate) 1.
Consider surgical intervention alongside antifungal therapy for localized cutaneous aspergillosis (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
Exercise caution with voriconazole in preterm infants due to potential severe toxicity (Evidence: Weak) 1.References
1 Frick MA, Boix H, Camba Longueira F, Martin-Gomez MT, Rodrigo-Pendás JÁ, Soler-Palacin P. Primary Cutaneous Aspergillosis in a Preterm Infant. The Pediatric infectious disease journal 2016. link