Factors related to mortality in critically ill histoplasmosis: a multicenter retrospective study in Guadeloupe and French Guyana

Abstract Purpose To describe clinical and biological features and the outcomes of patients admitted for histoplasmosis in two intensive care units (ICU) in French Guyana and in the French West Indies (Guadeloupe). Methods All patients admitted to these two ICUs for culture-proven histoplasmosis between January 2014 to August 2022 were included in the study. Using univariate and multivariate analysis, we assessed risk factors at ICU admission that were associated with death. Results Forty patients were included (65% men). Median age was 56 years and simplified acute physiologic score (SAPS) II was 65. HIV was found in 58%, another immunodeficiency was identified in 28%, and no underlying immunodeficiency could be identified in 14% of patients. Within the first 24 h of ICU admission, 85% of patients had acute respiratory failure, 78% had shock, 30% had coma, and 48% had hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Mechanical ventilation was instituted in 78% of patients and renal replacement therapy in 55%. The 30-day mortality was 53%. By multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with 30-day mortality were SOFA score (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.1–2.1]), time between symptom onset and treatment per day (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.1), and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.1–47.5). Conclusion Histoplasmosis requiring ICU admission is a protean disease with multiple and severe organ involvement. Immunodeficiency is found in most patients. The prognosis remains severe despite appropriate treatment and is worsened by late treatment initiation.