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Candidemia in pediatric surgery patients
E M Mokaddas1, S A Ramadan, S H Abo el Maaty
1Department of Microbiology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Kuwait.
Journal of Chemotherapy (Florence, Italy)
|August 19, 2000
Summary
Candidemia is infrequent in pediatric surgery intensive care units (ICUs). Key risk factors include ICU stay, gastrointestinal surgery, and broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Candida species are a significant cause of bloodstream infections.
- Neonatal candidemia is well-documented, but its incidence in pediatric surgery is less studied.
- This research addresses the gap in understanding candidemia in pediatric surgical patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of candidemia in pediatric surgery intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
- To identify neonatal and hospital risk factors associated with candidemia.
- To compare risk factors between candidemia, bacteremia, and non-infected patient groups.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year prospective study involving 1,359 pediatric surgery patients in ICU/HDU.
- Microbiological surveys were conducted on admission and weekly.
- Patients were categorized into candidemia, bacteremia, and no infection groups for comparison.
Main Results:
- Twenty-five patients developed candidemia, with 21 in the ICU.
- Common risk factors for candidemia included ICU stay, prior broad-spectrum antibiotics, and gastrointestinal surgery.
- Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis were the most common isolates.
Conclusions:
- Candidemia is infrequent but serious in pediatric surgery patients.
- Intensive care unit (ICU) stay, gastrointestinal surgery, and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy are significant risk factors.
- Early identification and management are crucial for improving outcomes.