Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Induction of Ocular Surface Inflammation and Collection of Involved Tissues
Published on: August 4, 2022
Risk factors and outcomes of patients with ocular involvement of candidemia
Hyo-Ju Son1, Min Jae Kim1, Suhwan Lee2
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Background:
Ocular involvement of candidemia can result in serious complications, including vision loss. This study investigated the risk factors for ocular involvement in patients with candidemia and the outcomes of treatment.
Methods:
Episodes of candidemia in hospitalized adults who underwent ophthalmic examinations within 2 weeks of candidemia onset between January 2014 and May 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Their demographic characteristics, antifungal treatments, and visual outcomes were evaluated.
Results:
During the study period, 438 adults were diagnosed with candidemia, with 275 (62.8%) undergoing ophthalmic examinations within 2 weeks. Of these 275 patients, 59 (21.5%) had fundoscopic abnormalities suggestive of ocular involvement, including 51 with chorioretinitis and eight with Candida endophthalmitis. Eleven patients were symptomatic. Persistent candidemia (adjusted odd ratio [aOR], 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-5.08; P = 0.01), neutropenia during the preceding 2 weeks (aOR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.14-7.53; P = 0.03), and C. albicans infection (aOR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.09-4.24; P = 0.03) were independently associated with ocular involvement. Among the 24 patients with neutropenia, 41.7% had ocular involvements at the initial examination. Ophthalmologic examination even before the neutrophil recovery was positive in one-third of neutropenic patients. Out of the 37 patients in whom ocular outcomes after 6 weeks were available, 35 patients showed favorable or stable fundoscopic findings. Two patients had decreased visual acuity despite the stable fundoscopic finding.
Conclusion:
Neutropenia within two weeks of candidemia was a risk factor for ocular involvement. More than 80 percent of patients with ocular involvements were asymptomatic, emphasizing the importance of routine ophthalmic examinations. The median 6 weeks of systemic antifungal treatment resulted in favorable outcomes in 89.2% of patients.
Insights
Neutropenia is a key risk factor for ocular candidemia, often presenting without symptoms. Routine eye exams are crucial for early detection and favorable treatment outcomes, with most patients showing improvement after antifungal therapy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Ocular involvement in candidemia can lead to vision loss.
- This study aimed to identify risk factors and treatment outcomes for ocular candidemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate risk factors for ocular involvement in candidemia.
- Evaluate treatment outcomes for patients with ocular candidemia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of hospitalized adults with candidemia and ophthalmic examinations within two weeks of onset.
- Analysis of demographic data, antifungal treatments, and visual outcomes.
Main Results:
- 21.5% of patients with candidemia showed ocular involvement (chorioretinitis or endophthalmitis).
- Independent risk factors included persistent candidemia, neutropenia, and Candida albicans infection.
- Neutropenia was a significant risk factor, with 41.7% of neutropenic patients exhibiting ocular involvement.
Conclusions:
- Neutropenia within two weeks of candidemia is a significant risk factor for ocular involvement.
- Most patients with ocular candidemia are asymptomatic, highlighting the need for routine ophthalmic screening.
- Systemic antifungal treatment over a median of 6 weeks led to favorable outcomes in 89.2% of patients.
Related Concept Videos
06:38Induction of Ocular Surface Inflammation and Collection of Involved Tissues
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
14:43A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
01:29Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...
12:03Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs
10:11Fundus Photography as a Convenient Tool to Study Microvascular Responses to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Epidemiological Studies