Related Experiment Videos
Oesophageal candidosis in intensive care patients
J Bernhardt1, K Zimmermann, K Schulz
1Department of Endoscopy/Sonography, Clinic for Surgery, Ernst Moritz Arndt University, Friedrich Loeffler Str. 23b, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany.
Abstract:
We conducted upper intestinoscopies in 124 intensive care patients, six of whom had oesophageal candidosis. Of these, two also had Candida plaque in the stomach. The patients at the intensive care unit (ICU) had a mean Apache-II score of 26.7; whereas the score was 29.5 in patients with Candida oesophagitis. A significant increase of Candida antibodies was found in 59 of 124 patients (47.6%), including all patients with oesophageal candidosis. Presumably, mycotic infections of other sites were present. The severity by which mucous membranes were affected correlated well with microscopically evident invasiveness.
Insights
This study found that Candida infections, specifically oesophageal candidosis, are present in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Increased Candida antibodies indicate a higher risk of these serious fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species, pose a significant threat to critically ill patients.
- The incidence and clinical implications of Candida infections in the upper gastrointestinal tract of intensive care unit (ICU) patients require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of oesophageal and gastric candidosis in ICU patients.
- To assess the correlation between Candida infection severity and patient clinical scores.
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of Candida antibody detection in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Upper intestinoscopies were performed on 124 ICU patients.
- Clinical data, including Apache-II scores, were collected and analyzed.
- Serological tests for Candida antibodies were conducted.
Main Results:
- Oesophageal candidosis was identified in 6 out of 124 patients (4.8%), with 2 also having gastric Candida plaque.
- Patients with oesophageal candidosis had a higher mean Apache-II score (29.5) compared to the overall ICU patient group (26.7).
- A significant increase in Candida antibodies was observed in 47.6% of patients, including all those with oesophageal candidosis, suggesting potential systemic fungal involvement.
Conclusions:
- Candida infections of the upper gastrointestinal tract are a relevant complication in ICU patients.
- Increased Candida antibody levels may serve as an indicator for invasive fungal infections in critically ill individuals.
- The severity of mucosal involvement in Candida infections correlates with microscopic evidence of invasiveness.