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Abstract Background Recent studies identified coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a risk factor for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) but produced conflicting data on IPA incidence and impact on patient outcomes. We aimed to determine the incidence and outcomes of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods We performed a multicenter retrospective observational cohort study in consecutive adults admitted to 15 French intensive care units (ICUs) in 2020 for COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation. CAPA was diagnosed and graded according to 2020 ECMM/ISHAM consensus criteria. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of proven/probable CAPA, and the secondary objectives were to identify risk factors for proven/probable CAPA and to assess associations between proven/probable CAPA and patient outcomes. Results The 708 included patients (522 [73.7%] men) had a mean age of 65.2 ± 10.8 years, a median mechanical ventilation duration of 15.0 [8.0–27.0] days, and a day-90 mortality rate of 28.5%. Underlying immunosuppression was present in 113 (16.0%) patients. Corticosteroids were used in 348 (63.1%) patients. Criteria for probable CAPA were met by 18 (2.5%) patients; no patient had histologically proven CAPA. Older age was the only factor significantly associated with probable CAPA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% CI 1.00–1.09; P = 0.04). Probable CAPA was associated with significantly higher day-90 mortality (HR, 2.07; 95% CI 1.32–3.25; P = 0.001) but not with longer mechanical ventilation or ICU length of stay. Conclusion Probable CAPA is a rare but serious complication of severe COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation and is associated with higher day-90 mortality. Graphical Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of early echocardiography-targeted ibuprofen treatment of large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on survival without cerebral palsy at 24 months of corrected age.Study designWe enrolled infants born at

Abstract Background Imaging of the salivary ductal system is relevant prior to an endoscopic or a surgical procedure. Various imaging modalities can be used for this purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic capability of three-dimensional (3D)-cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) sialography versus magnetic resonance (MR) sialography in non-tumorous salivary pathologies. Methods This prospective, monocenter, pilot study compared both imaging modalities in 46 patients (mean age 50.1 ± 14.9 years) referred for salivary symptoms. The analyses were performed by two independent radiologists and referred to identification of a salivary disease including sialolithiasis, stenosis, or dilatation (primary endpoint). The location and size of an abnormality, the last branch of division of the salivary duct that can be visualized, potential complications, and exposure parameters were also collected (secondary endpoints). Results Salivary symptoms involved both the submandibular (60.9%) and parotid (39.1%) glands. Sialolithiasis, dilatations, and stenosis were observed in 24, 25, and 9 patients, respectively, with no statistical differences observed between the two imaging modalities in terms of lesion identification (p1 = 0.66, p2 = 0.63, and p3 = 0.24, respectively). The inter-observer agreement was perfect (> 0.90) for lesion identification. MR sialography outperformed 3D-CBCT sialography for visualization of salivary stones and dilatations, as evidenced by higher positive percent agreement (sensitivity) of 0.90 [95% CI 0.70–0.98] vs. 0.82 [95% CI 0.61–0.93], and 0.84 [95% CI 0.62–0.94] vs. 0.70 [95% CI 0.49–0.84], respectively. For the identification of stenosis, the same low positive percent agreement was obtained with both procedures (0.20 [95% CI 0.01–0.62]). There was a good concordance for the location of a stone (Kappa coefficient of 0.62). Catheterization failure was observed in two patients by 3D-CBCT sialography. Conclusions Both imaging procedures warrant being part of the diagnostic arsenal of non-tumorous salivary pathologies. However, MR sialography may be more effective than 3D-CBCT sialography for the identification of sialolithiasis and ductal dilatations. Trial registration NCT02883140.

Key messages What is already known on this topic Dexamethasone decreased day-28 mortality in the randomised controlled trial RECOVERY in patients admitted for COVID-19, including 74% who required oxygen and 16% invasive mechanical ventilation (iMV). Other trials targeting critically ill patients did not replicate this finding, leaving uncertainty about the benefits of dexamethasone. What this study adds In our large observational cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients, of whom 61% required iMV, early systemic dexamethasone was not associated with lower day-28 mortality compared to no steroids. However, early dexamethasone was associated with less need for iMV, more days alive and off iMV, and a higher frequency of ventilator-associated pneumonia in the iMV sub-group. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy This study suggests that early dexamethasone may be warranted in critically ill COVID-19 patients, provided those receiving iMV are monitored closely for ventilatory-associated pneumonia.

Abstract Background Outcomes of postresuscitation shock after cardiac arrest can be affected by targeted temperature management (TTM). A post hoc analysis of the “TTM1 trial” suggested higher mortality with hypothermia at 33 °C. We performed a post hoc analysis of HYPERION trial data to assess potential associations linking postresuscitation shock after non-shockable cardiac arrest to hypothermia at 33 °C on favourable functional outcome. Methods We divided the patients into groups with vs. without postresuscitation (defined as the need for vasoactive drugs) shock then assessed the proportion of patients with a favourable functional outcome (day-90 Cerebral Performance Category [CPC] 1 or 2) after hypothermia (33 °C) vs. controlled normothermia (37 °C) in each group. Patients with norepinephrine or epinephrine > 1 µg/kg/min were not included. Results Of the 581 patients included in 25 ICUs in France and who did not withdraw consent, 339 had a postresuscitation shock and 242 did not. In the postresuscitation-shock group, 159 received hypothermia, including 14 with a day-90 CPC of 1–2, and 180 normothermia, including 10 with a day-90 CPC of 1–2 (8.81% vs. 5.56%, respectively; P = 0.24). After adjustment, the proportion of patients with CPC 1–2 also did not differ significantly between the hypothermia and normothermia groups (adjusted hazards ratio, 1.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–5.50; P = 0.18). Day-90 mortality was comparable in these two groups (83% vs. 86%, respectively; P = 0.43). Conclusions After non-shockable cardiac arrest, mild-to-moderate postresuscitation shock at intensive-care-unit admission did not seem associated with day-90 functional outcome or survival. Therapeutic hypothermia at 33 °C was not associated with worse outcomes compared to controlled normothermia in patients with postresuscitation shock. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01994772

Background: The Harrington surgical technique makes it possible to manage complex, extensive bone lesions using pins and cement to consolidate bone for acetabular cup positioning. However, it may be associated with a high reoperation rate, and the functional results of this surgery are not precisely described in the literature. Methods: In a monocentric retrospective study including all patients operated on using the Harrington procedure associated with THA between 2005 and 2020, we aimed to assess preoperative and postoperative function, reoperation-free survival, and overall survival. Results: Functional improvement was significant for Parker scores (preoperative: 3.6 ± 2.0; 6-month follow-up: 6.6 ± 3.2; 12-month follow-up: 7.6 ± 2.1) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores (preoperative: 31.1 ± 16.2%; 6-month follow-up: 67.7 ± 30.6%; 12-month follow-up: 82.4 ± 24.0%). Of the 21 patients included, the reoperation-free survival rate was 76.1% [CI 95%: 58.1–99.7] at six and twelve months, with the main complications being pin migration (50.0%) and infection (25%). The patient overall survival rate was 76.2% [95% CI: 59.9–96.7] at six months and 61.9% [95% CI: 59.9–96.7] at 12 months. Discussion: These results underlined significant functional improvements following a conventional Harrington procedure, with acceptable reoperation rates.

Introduction The midline catheter (MC) is an increasingly popular device used commonly for patients with difficult venous access or those who require infusion for more than 6 days. Little is known about complications such as infection, thrombosis or occlusion for inpatient and home care patient. This protocol presents the follow-up of non-intensive care unit patients with an MC. The aim is to identify complications and search for risk factors associated with these complications.Method and analysis A prospective observational design is used for the follow-up of 2000 patients from 13 centres in France. Each practitioner (inserting clinician, anaesthetist nurse, hospital nurse and home nurse) will fill out a logbook to report each care made (eg, number of saline flushes, dress maintenance) on the MC and if any complications occurred. The incidence of complications (ie, infections, thrombosis or occlusions) will be expressed by the total number of events per 1000 catheter days. The period of recruitment began in December 2019 for a duration of 2 years. An extension of the inclusion period of 1 year was obtained.Ethics and dissemination This study received the approval of the Committee for the Protection of Persons of Nord Ouest IV (No EudraCT/ID-RCB : 2019-A02406-51). It was registered at clinical trials (NCT04131088). It is planned to communicate results at conferences and in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration number NCT04131088.

Abstract Background Videolaryngoscopes with an operating channel may improve the intubation success rate in critically ill patients. We aimed to compare four channelled videolaryngoscopes to the Macintosh laryngoscope used for intubation of a high-fidelity simulation mannikin, in a scenario that simulated critical illness due to acute respiratory failure. Results Of the 79 residents who participated, 54 were considered inexperienced with orotracheal intubation. Each participant used all five devices in random order. The first-pass success rate was 97.5% [95% CI 91.1–99.7] for Airtraq™, KingVision™, and Pentax AWS200™, 92.4% [95% CI 84.2–97.2] for VividTrac VT-A100™, and 70.9% [95% CI 59.6–80.6] for direct Macintosh laryngoscopy. The first-pass success rate was significantly lower with direct Macintosh laryngoscopy than with the videolaryngoscopes (p

Abstract Background To evaluate the ability of the oxygen reserve index (ORI) to predict the occurrence of mild hypoxemia (defined as SpO2 214) who required ETI in the ICU. Patients were followed during preoxygenation and ETI then until hospital discharge and/or day 28. We recorded cases of mild hypoxemia, moderate (SpO2

In critically ill patients, endotracheal intubation (ETI) is lifesaving but carries a high risk of adverse events, notably hypoxemia. Preoxygenation is performed before introducing the tube to increase the safe apnea time. Oxygenation is monitored by pulse oximeter measurement of peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). However, SpO2 is unreliable at the high oxygenation levels produced by preoxygenation and, in the event of desaturation, may not decrease sufficiently early to allow preventive measures. The oxygen reserve index (ORI) is a dimensionless parameter that can also be measured continuously by a fingertip monitor and reflects oxygenation in the moderate hyperoxia range. The ORI ranges from 0 to 1 when arterial oxygen saturation (PaO2) varies between 100 to 200 mmHg, as occurs during preoxygenation. No trial has assessed the potential effects of ORI monitoring to guide preoxygenation for ETI in unstable patients. We designed a multicenter, two-arm, parallel-group, randomized, superiority, open trial in 950 critically ill adults requiring ETI. The intervention consists in monitoring ORI values and using an ORI target for preoxygenation of at least 0.6 for at least 1 minute. In the control group, preoxygenation is guided by SpO2 values recorded by a standard pulse oximeter, according to the standard of care, the goal being to obtain 100% SpO2 during preoxygenation, which lasts at least 3 minutes. The standard-of-care ETI technique is used in both arms. Baseline parameters, rapid-sequence induction medications, ETI devices, and physiological data are recorded. The primary outcome is the lowest SpO2 value from laryngoscopy to 2 minutes after successful ETI. Secondary outcomes include cognitive function on day 28. Assuming a 10% standard deviation for the lowest SpO2 value in the control group, no missing data, and crossover of 5% of patients, with the bilateral alpha risk set at 0.05, including 950 patients will provide 85% power for detecting a 2% between-group absolute difference in the lowest SpO2 value. Should ORI monitoring with a target of ≥0.6 be found to increase the lowest SpO2 value during ETI, then this trial may change current practice regarding preoxygenation for ETI. Trial registration: Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05867875) on April 27, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Early inhibition of entry and replication of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a very promising therapeutic approach. Polyclonal neutralizing antibodies offers many advantages such as providing immediate immunity, consequently blunting an early pro-inflammatory pathogenic endogenous antibody response and lack of drug-drug interactions. By providing immediate immunity and inhibiting entry into cells, neutralizing antibody treatment is of interest for patient with COVID-19-induced moderate pneumonia. Convalescent plasma to treat infected patients is therefore a relevant therapeutic option currently under assessment (CORIMUNO-PLASM NCT04324047). However, the difficulties of collecting plasma on the long term are not adapted to a broad use across all populations. New polyclonal humanized anti-SARS-CoV2 antibodies (XAV-19) developed by Xenothera and administered intravenous. XAV-19 is a heterologous swine glyco-humanized polyclonal antibody (GH-pAb) raised against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, blocking infection of ACE-2-positive human cells with SARS-CoV-2. Methods Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies have been performed in preclinical models including primates. A first human study with another fully representative GH-pAb from Xenothera is ongoing in recipients of a kidney graft. These studies indicated that 5 consecutive administrations of GH-pAbs can be safely performed in humans. The objectives of this 2-step phase 2 randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled study are to define the safety and the optimal XAV-19 dose to administrate to patients with SARS-CoV-2 induced moderate pneumonia, and to assess the clinical benefits of a selected dose of XAV-19 in this population. Discussion This study will determine the clinical benefits of XAV-19 when administered to patients with SARS-CoV-2-induced moderate pneumonia. As a prerequisite, a first step of the study will define the safety and the dose of XAV-19 to be used. Such treatment might become a new therapeutic option to provide an effective treatment for COVID-19 patients (possibly in combination with anti-viral and immunotherapies). Further studies could later evaluate such passive immunotherapy as a potential post-exposure prophylaxis. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04453384 , registered on 1 July 2020, and EUDRACT 2020-002574-27, registered 6 June 2020.

Abstract Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing is an important tool for diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, performance concerns have emerged recently, notably regarding sensitivity. We hypothesized that the clinical, biological, and radiological characteristics of patients with a false-negative first RT-PCR test and a final diagnosis of COVID-19 might differ from those of patients with a positive first RT-PCR test. We conducted a multicenter matched case–control study in COVID-19 patients. Patients with a negative first RT-PCR test were matched to patients with a positive first RT-PCR test on age, sex, and initial admission unit (ward or intensive care). We included 80 cases and 80 controls between March 30, and June 22, 2020. Neither mortality at hospital discharge nor hospital stay length differed between the two groups (P = 0.80 and P = 0.54, respectively). By multivariate analysis, two factors were independently associated with a lower risk of a first false-negative test, namely, headache (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.07; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.01–0.49]; P = 0.007) and fatigue/malaise (aOR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.03–0.81; P = 0.027); two other factors were independently associated with a higher risk of a first false-negative test, namely, platelets > 207·103 mm−3 (aOR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.10–13.16]; P = 0.034) and C-reactive protein > 79.8 mg·L−1 (aOR, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.21–13.19; P = 0.023). Patients with suspected COVID-19 whose laboratory tests indicating marked inflammation were at higher risk of a first false-negative RT-PCR test. Strategies involving serial RT-PCR testing must be rigorously evaluated.

Abstract Background Threatened preterm delivery (TPD) is the leading cause of inpatient admissions during pregnancy. The ability to predict the risk of imminent preterm delivery is thus a major priority in obstetrics. The aim of our study is to assess the diagnostic performance of the test to detect the placental alpha microglobulin 1 (PAMG-1) for the prediction of delivery within 7 days in women with TPD. Methods This is a prospective multicenter diagnostic study. Inclusion criteria are singleton pregnancy, gestational age between 24 + 0 and 33 + 6 weeks inclusive, cervical measurement 25 mm or less assessed by transvaginal ultrasound (with or without uterine contractions), clinically intact membranes and cervical dilatation

Abstract Background Nonintubated chest trauma patients with fractured ribs admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are at risk for complications and may require invasive ventilation at some point. Effective pain control is essential. We assessed whether epidural analgesia (EA) in patients with fractured ribs who were not intubated at ICU admission decreased the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). We also looked for risk factors for IMV. Study design and methods This retrospective, observational, multicenter study conducted in 40 ICUs in France included consecutive patients with three or more fractured ribs who were not intubated at admission between July 2013 and July 2015. Results Of the 974 study patients, 788 were included in the analysis of intubation predictors. EA was used in 130 (16.5%) patients, and 65 (8.2%) patients required IMV. Factors independently associated with IMV were chronic respiratory disease (P = 0.008), worse SAPS II (P

Abstract Background Recent guidelines advise against prophylactic antibiotics in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis, advocating instead a step-up drainage and necrosectomy strategy with antibiotics as dictated by microbiological findings. However, prompt antibiotic therapy is recommended in patients with sepsis or septic shock, a possible presentation of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN). Consequently, in many critically ill patients with IPN, pancreatic samples are collected only after broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy initiation. Whether this prior antibiotic exposure alters the microbiological findings is unknown. The main objective was to determine whether prior antibiotic exposure sterilized the samples collected during procedures for suspected IPN in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for acute pancreatitis with suspected IPN. We retrospectively studied 56 consecutive ICU patients admitted with suspected IPN. We collected details on the microbiological samples and antimicrobials used. A definite diagnosis of IPN was given when bacteria were identified in pancreatic samples. Results In all, 137 pancreatic samples were collected, including 91 (66.4%) after antibiotic therapy initiation. IPN was confirmed in 48 (86%) patients. The proportion of positive samples was 74 (81.3%) in antibiotic-exposed patients and 32/46 (69.5%) in unexposed patients (p = 0.58). Of the 74 positive samples from exposed patients, 62 (84%) had organisms susceptible to the antibiotics used. One-third of samples contained more than one organism. Among patients with IPN, 37.5% had positive blood cultures. Multidrug- or extensively drug-resistant bacteria were identified at some point in half the patients. Enterobacter cloacae complex was more frequent in the exposed group (p = 0.02), as were Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria (p = 0.03). Conclusion Antibiotic exposure before sampling did not seem to affect culture positivity of pancreatic samples to confirm IPN, but may affect microbiological findings. Our results suggest that, in patients with sepsis and suspected IPN, antibiotics should be started immediately and pancreatic samples obtained as soon as possible thereafter. In other situations, antibiotics can be withheld until the microbiological results of pancreatic samples are available, to ensure accurate targeting of the spectrum to bacterial susceptibility patterns. ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03253861

Abstract Background Perineal pain due to episiotomy is commonly reported and can be severe enough to disturb the mother–infant dyad during the postpartum period. Its incidence at day 7 postpartum varies from 63% to 74%. Recent studies have investigated the analgesic efficacy of perineal infiltration of ropivacaine after episiotomy but have only focused on the immediate postpartum period (at 24 and 48 h after birth). Large, adequately powered, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate the impact of ropivacaine infiltration on perineal pain and mid- and long-term quality of life before the widespread use of ropivacaine to prevent perineal pain after episiotomy can be recommended. Methods/design The ROPISIO study is a two-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial being conducted in La Roche sur Yon and Nantes, France. It will involve 272 women with vaginal singleton delivery and mediolateral episiotomy at term (≥ 37 weeks). Perineal infiltration (ropivacaine 75 mg or placebo) will be administrated just after vaginal birth and before episiotomy repair. The primary outcome will be the analgesic efficacy at day 7 postpartum (midterm), defined by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) strictly superior to 3/10 on the perineal repair area. Secondary outcomes will be the analgesic efficacy (NPRS) and the impact of pain on daily behavior, on the quality of life (36-item Short Form Health Survey), on the occurrence of symptoms of postpartum depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), and on sexual health (Female Sexual Function Index) at 3 and 6 months (long-term) using validated online questionnaires. This study will have 90% power to show approximately 30% relative risk reduction in the incidence of perineal pain at day 7, from 70.0% to 50.0%. Discussion Ropivacaine is a promising candidate drug, inexpensive, and easy to administer, and it would be suitable to include in the routine management of deliveries in labor ward. This study will investigate if perineal ropivacaine infiltration just after birth can reduce mid- and long-term postpartum pain and increase quality of life in women with mediolateral episiotomy. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03084549 . Registered on 14 April 2017.

Purpose To report the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcome predictors of severe leptospirosis requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission in a temperate zone. Methods LEPTOREA was a retrospective multicentre study conducted in 79 ICUs in metropolitan France. Consecutive adults admitted to the ICU for proven severe leptospirosis from January 2012 to September 2016 were included. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and hierarchical classification on principal components (HCPC) were performed to distinguish different clinical phenotypes. Results The 160 included patients (0.04% of all ICU admissions) had median values of 54 years [38-65] for age, 40 [28-58] for the SAPSII, and 11 [8-14] for the SOFA score. Hospital mortality was 9% and was associated with older age; worse SOFA score and early need for endotracheal ventilation and/or renal replacement therapy; chronic alcohol abuse and worse hepatic dysfunction; confusion; and higher leucocyte count. Four phenotypes were identified: moderately severe leptospirosis (n = 34, 21%) with less organ failure and better outcomes; hepato-renal leptospirosis (n = 101, 63%) with prominent liver and kidney dysfunction; neurological leptospirosis (n = 8, 5%) with the most severe organ failures and highest mortality; and respiratory leptospirosis (n = 17, 11%) with pulmonary haemorrhage. The main risk factors for leptospirosis contamination were contact with animals, contact with river or lake water, and specific occupations. Conclusions Severe leptospirosis was an uncommon reason for ICU admission in metropolitan France and carried a lower mortality rate than expected based on the high severity and organ-failure scores. The identification in our population of several clinical presentations may help clinicians establish an appropriate index of suspicion for severe leptospirosis., Author(s): Arnaud-Félix Miailhe [sup.1], Emmanuelle Mercier [sup.2], Adel Maamar [sup.3], Jean-Claude Lacherade [sup.4], Aurélie Le Thuaut [sup.5], Aurélie Gaultier [sup.5], Pierre Asfar [sup.6], Laurent Argaud [sup.7], Antoine Ausseur [sup.8], Adel [...]

Abstract Background A hypothesis of preterm parturition is that the pathogenesis of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) may be associated with an inflammatory process. Based on this theory, we have hypothesized that an inflammatory biomarker, procalcitonin (PCT), may be a good predictive marker of sPTB at the admission for threatened preterm labour (TPL). The present study was aimed to investigate the association between serum PCT and sPTB in women with TPL and to evaluate whether PCT levels may predict sPTB in women with TPL within 7 or 14 days. Methods In a prospective observational laboratory-based study, women with singleton pregnancies, TPL between 24 and 36 weeks and intact membranes, were enrolled between January 2014 and June 2016. Participants received routine medical management of TPL (tocolysis with atosiban, antenatal corticosteroids, and biological tests at admission (C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and PCT measured on electrochemiluminescence immunoassay)). The primary endpoint was sPTB before 37 weeks of gestation. The value of serum PCT levels to predict sPTB within 7 or 14 days were evaluated using receiver-operating curves (ROC) analysis. Results A total of 124 women were included in our study. PCT levels did not statistically differ between women with sPTB (n = 30, 24.2%) and controls (n = 94) (median in ng/mL [interquartile range]: 0.043 [0.02–0.07] compared to 0.042 [0.02–0.13], respectively; P = 0.56). PCT levels did not also statistically differ between women with sPTB within 7 days (n = 7, 5.6%) or 14 days (n = 12, 9.7%) after testing and controls. Moreover, subgroup analysis revealed no difference among PCT levels at admission between 24 and 28 weeks, between 28 and 32 weeks and over 32 weeks, and controls. On the basis of the receiver-operating characteristic curve, the highest sensitivity and specificity corresponded to a PCT concentration of 0.038 ng/mL, with poor predictive values for sPTB within 7 or 14 days. Conclusion Serum PCT was not relevant to predict sPTB within 7 or 14 days in women admitted with TPL between 24 and 36 weeks, and thus it is not a suitable biological marker to confirm the hypothesis of an inflammatory process associated with preterm parturition. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01977079), Registered 24 October 2013.

Background: Recent studies identified coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a risk factor for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) but produced conflicting data on IPA incidence and impact on patient outcomes. We aimed to determine the incidence and outcomes of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective observational cohort study in consecutive adults admitted to 15 French intensive care units (ICUs) in 2020 for COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation. CAPA was diagnosed and graded according to 2020 ECMM/ISHAM consensus criteria. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of proven/probable CAPA, and the secondary objectives were to identify risk factors for proven/probable CAPA and to assess associations between proven/probable CAPA and patient outcomes. Results: The 708 included patients (522 [73.7%] men) had a mean age of 65.2 ± 10.8 years, a median mechanical ventilation duration of 15.0 [8.0–27.0] days, and a day-90 mortality rate of 28.5%. Underlying immunosuppression was present in 113 (16.0%) patients. Corticosteroids were used in 348 (63.1%) patients. Criteria for probable CAPA were met by 18 (2.5%) patients; no patient had histologically proven CAPA. Older age was the only factor significantly associated with probable CAPA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% CI 1.00–1.09; P = 0.04). Probable CAPA was associated with significantly higher day-90 mortality (HR, 2.07; 95% CI 1.32–3.25; P = 0.001) but not with longer mechanical ventilation or ICU length of stay. Conclusion: Probable CAPA is a rare but serious complication of severe COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation and is associated with higher day-90 mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]