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Candidemia in a pediatric intensive care unit
Sunit C Singhi1, Thimmapuram C S Reddy, Arunloke Chakrabarti
1Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Summary
Nonalbicans Candida species, particularly Candida tropicalis, were common causes of candidemia in a pediatric intensive care unit. High illness severity and C. tropicalis infection predicted mortality in these critically ill children.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Critical Care
Background:
- Candidemia is a serious bloodstream infection, especially in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
- Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors for candidemia is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, epidemiology, and clinical features of candidemia in a North Indian PICU.
- To identify predictors of mortality in pediatric patients with candidemia.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital's PICU.
- Data from 64 patients with candidemia between March 1993 and December 1996 were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Candida tropicalis (48.4%) and Candida albicans (29.7%) were the most common isolates.
- Nonalbicans Candida species accounted for 70% of infections.
- Mortality rate was 28.1%; significant predictors included high Pediatric Risk of Mortality score and isolation of C. tropicalis.
Conclusions:
- Nonalbicans Candida species are prevalent causes of candidemia in this PICU setting.
- Early diagnosis through high-risk surveillance blood cultures is beneficial.
- Pediatric Risk of Mortality score and C. tropicalis infection are key determinants of mortality.