Related Experiment Videos
Systemic candidiasis and pneumonia in preterm infants.
H L Loke1, I Verber, W Szymonowicz
1Department of Paediatrics, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Australian Paediatric Journal
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Systemic candidiasis affects preterm infants, particularly those with very low birthweight. Early diagnosis and antifungal treatment lead to favorable outcomes, despite potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Critical Care
Background:
- Systemic candidiasis is a serious fungal infection in preterm infants.
- Very low birthweight infants are particularly vulnerable to invasive fungal infections.
- Understanding the clinical presentation and outcomes is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and outcomes of systemic candidiasis in preterm infants.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of antifungal therapy in this population.
- To emphasize the importance of early detection and management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 22 preterm infants with systemic candidiasis.
- Analysis of clinical features, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes.
- Comparison of laboratory findings with bacterial infections.
Main Results:
- Fifteen infants had positive blood, CSF, or urine cultures; seven had Candida pneumonia.
- Clinical signs included instability, respiratory decline, and necrotizing enterocolitis-like symptoms.
- Mortality was 18%, with an 18% impairment rate among survivors; treatment delays were noted.
Conclusions:
- Systemic candidiasis requires a high index of suspicion in very low birthweight preterm infants.
- Early recognition and prompt antifungal therapy (amphotericin B, 5-flucytosine) are associated with favorable short- and long-term outcomes.
- Effective and safe antifungal treatment is possible, with manageable complications.