Iron Levels in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Hematological Patients with Suspected Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis and their Association with 12-week Mortality: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BALF iron concentrations were highest in those with probable IPA, followed by possible IPA and lowest in patients without IPA, with higher iron levels also correlating with fungal loads and potentially with 12-week mortality. However, given the various potential confounding factors, further prospective studies are essential to establish causality. These findings warrant additional investigation into BALF iron as a potential marker for 12-week survival, but validation is necessary before considering it as a supplementary marker in the current EORTC/MSGERC 2020 classification for probable or possible IPA.