Primary cutaneous aspergillosis in a preterm neonate
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Published on: March 9, 2018
Bjarte Rogdo1, Christian Kahlert2, Pierre André Diener3
1Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Insights
Primary cutaneous aspergillosis (PCA) is a rare fungal infection in premature infants. This case study shows successful treatment with amphotericin and surgery, leading to minimal scarring.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal dermatology
- Infectious diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Primary cutaneous aspergillosis (PCA) is a rare but serious fungal infection affecting premature infants.
- Risk factors include extreme prematurity, immune system immaturity, broad-spectrum antibiotic use, systemic steroids, hyperglycemia, and thin epidermal layers.
Abstract:
Primary cutaneous aspergillosis (PCA) is a rare fungal infection in premature infants. Extreme prematurity, immature immune system, therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and systemic steroids, as well as hyperglycaemia and a vulnerable and very thin epidermal layer are considered risk factors in this patient population. We present a premature male infant born at 24(+3) weeks of gestation with PCA, successfully treated with amphotericin and surgical curettage of the ulcerating skin lesions. Complete resolution of the lesions was achieved and scarring was barely visible at later follow-up.
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