Related Experiment Videos
[Acute hydrocephalus due to Candida meningitis in a 2-month-old infant]
B Héron1, J L Texier, O Boespflug
1Département de Pédiatrie, Hôpital de Bicêtre.
Abstract:
A case of triventricular acute hydrocephalus is reported in a 2 month-old male. The etiology was a Candida sepsis with neonatal onset and subacute course of meningitis and arthritis. No immune deficiency was detected and antibiotic treatment appeared to be the only predisposing factor to systemic candidiasis in this neonate. The condition was treated successfully with amphotericin B, fluocytosin and ketoconazole. At follow up, 17 months later, the development of the child appeared normal.
Insights
A neonate with Candida sepsis developed acute hydrocephalus and meningitis. Successful treatment with antifungal medications led to normal neurodevelopmental outcomes at 17 months.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Candida sepsis can lead to serious complications in neonates, including meningitis and hydrocephalus.
- Systemic candidiasis in neonates may be linked to factors like antibiotic exposure rather than primary immune deficiency.
- Triventricular hydrocephalus presents a significant neurological challenge in infants.
Observation:
- A 2-month-old male infant presented with triventricular acute hydrocephalus.
- The underlying cause was identified as Candida sepsis with a subacute meningitis and arthritis.
- No primary immune deficiency was identified in the affected neonate.
Findings:
- The neonate's condition was successfully managed using a combination of antifungal therapies: amphotericin B, fluconazole, and ketoconazole.
- The patient received appropriate treatment for systemic candidiasis, meningitis, and hydrocephalus.
- Early and effective antifungal treatment was crucial for resolving the infection and its complications.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing and treating invasive fungal infections in neonates promptly.
- Successful management of Candida-induced hydrocephalus can lead to favorable neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Understanding predisposing factors, such as antibiotic use, is vital for preventing neonatal candidiasis.