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Candida infections in newborns: a review
B J Khoory1, L Vino, A Dall'Agnola
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Verona, Italy.
Insights
Nosocomial fungal infections, particularly Candida spp., pose significant risks to critically ill newborns, causing severe neurological damage. Prompt diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are crucial for better outcomes in neonatal fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Nosocomial fungal infections are a growing concern in critically ill neonates, leading to increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and mortality.
- Central nervous system involvement in neonatal sepsis is common and can cause significant neurological damage and psychomotor deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize key aspects of Candida spp. infections in neonates.
- To highlight the multisystemic presentation and involvement of these infections.
- To discuss the importance of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on neonatal fungal infections.
- Analysis of clinical presentations and outcomes.
- Discussion of recent therapeutic advancements.
Main Results:
- Candida spp. infections present with multisystemic involvement in neonates.
- Neurological sequelae are a major complication, especially in septic newborns.
- New antifungal drugs with improved efficacy and tolerance are now available.
Conclusions:
- Effective prevention of fungal colonization, coupled with prompt diagnosis and treatment, improves outcomes for neonatal fungal infections.
- Understanding the diverse clinical manifestations of Candida infections is vital for timely intervention.
- Advances in antifungal pharmacotherapy offer better treatment options for affected neonates.
Abstract:
Despite adequate treatment, nosocomial fungal infections have become an increasingly important cause of morbidity, extended hospitalization, and mortality in critically ill newborn babies. Furthermore, the high incidence of central nervous system involvement in septic newborns frequently results in serious neurological damage and psychomotorial sequelae. The prevention of fungal colonization in the population at risk, together with prompt diagnosis and treatment, are an efficient combination which lead to a better outcome of neonatal fungal infections. New drugs characterized by great efficacy and tolerance have recently been employed in clinical practice. This article summarizes certain aspects of Candida spp. infections in the neonatal period with regard to multisystemic presentation and involvement.