Can Beta-D-Glucan testing as part of the diagnostic pathway for invasive fungal infection reduce anti-fungal treatment costs?

We performed a cost comparison of the current diagnostic and treatment pathway for invasive fungal infection (IFI) versus a proposed pathway that incorporates Beta-D-Glucan (BDG) testing from the NHS perspective. A fungal pathogen was identified in 58/107 (54.2%) patients treated with systemic anti-fungals in the Critical Care Department. Mean therapy duration was 23 days (standard deviation [SD] = 22 days), and cost was £5590 (SD = £7410) per patient. Implementation of BDG tests in the diagnostic and treatment pathway of patients with suspected IFI could result in a mean saving of £1643 per patient should a result be returned within 2 days. LAY SUMMARY: Invasive fungal infection increases the risk of death in very sick people. So, treatment is started before test results are known. Beta-D-Glucan (BDG) test is faster than standard blood culture tests. We estimate that using BDG tests in how patients are diagnosed could save about £1643 per patient.

Hypercoagulopathy in Severe COVID-19: Implications for Acute Care.

COVID-19 was first described in late 2019 and has since developed into a pandemic affecting more than 21 million people worldwide. Of particular relevance for acute care is the occurrence of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC), which is characterised by hypercoagulability, immunothrombosis and venous thromboembolism, and contributes to hypoxia in a significant proportion of patients. This review describes diagnosis and treatment of CAC in the emergency department and in intensive care. We summarise the pathological mechanisms and common complications of CAC such as pulmonary thrombosis and venous thromboembolic events and discuss current strategies for thromboprophylaxis and therapeutic anti-coagulation in the acute care setting.