Candida infection and colonization among trauma patients

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Infectious diseases
• Trauma surgery

Background:

• Limited recent data exists on Candida infections in critically ill trauma patients.
• This study investigates the epidemiology, economic impact, and risk factors of Candida infections in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and risk factors for Candida infection in severely injured patients.
• To analyze the economic burden associated with Candida infections in trauma care.

Main Methods:

• A 5-year retrospective study included severely injured patients with intensive care unit (ICU) stays of at least 4 days.
• Patients were categorized into Candida infection, colonization, or no-infection groups.
• Stepwise logistic regression identified independent risk factors for candidiasis.

Main Results:

• Candida infection patients had higher rates of blood transfusions, antibiotics, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
• Longer mechanical ventilation (MV), laparotomy, and increased surgical complications were noted in infected patients.
• TPN (OR: 7.2), laparotomy (OR: 3.8), and female gender (OR: 5.7) were independent predictors of candidiasis.

Conclusions:

• Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), laparotomy, and female gender are significant independent predictors of candidiasis in trauma patients.
• Female trauma patients undergoing laparotomy and TPN require vigilant monitoring for potential Candida infections.