Candiduria in those over 85 years old: a retrospective study of 73 patients

Thibaut Fraisse1, Julien Crouzet, Laurence Lachaud

  • 1Department of Geriatrics, Ales Cevennes Hospital, France. tfraisse@yahoo.fr

Abstract

Insights

Candiduria (fungal urinary tract infection) in patients 85+ is common, linked to frailty. Antifungal treatment did not significantly impact mortality in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Candiduria is increasingly prevalent in the elderly population.
  • Previous studies have not specifically focused on very old patients (85+).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate candiduria in patients aged 85 and over.
  • To determine incidence, acquisition factors, treatment outcomes, and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective monocentric study.
  • Analysis of medical charts from Nimes University Hospital.
  • Inclusion of patients aged 85+ with diagnosed candiduria.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of candiduria was 8.9% in hospitalized very old patients.
  • Candida albicans was the most common species (59%).
  • Urinary catheter use (55%) and prior antibiotic use (67%) were frequent. High C-reactive protein, Mac Cabe, or Charlson's scores (>7) predicted mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Candiduria in the oldest old is associated with patient frailty and vulnerability.
  • Antifungal treatment decisions are complex and did not appear to influence mortality.

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