Survey of neonatal candidiasis in Greece

Invasive fungal infection in neonatal intensive care units: a multicenter survey

This study assesses the epidemiology of invasive fungal infection (IFI) in Portuguese Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and compares the effectiveness and safety of antifungal therapies. A survey concerning the period 2005-2010 was carried out in NICUs of Greater Lisbon. Among 10 473 admitted neonates, 44 cases were identified, 29 among extreme low birth weight neonates (65.9%). Cumulative incidence rate was 0.42% (95%CI 0.309-0.559). A central vascular catheter was present before IFI in all cases. Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis were the most frequent isolates. The initial antifungic was fluconazole in 22 cases and liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) in 18. Therapy was switched in 10 patients on fluconazole and 3 on L-AmB. Case fatality rate was 11.4% (95%CI 4.39-23.91). No serious adverse drugs reactions (SADRs) or clinical side effects were observed. The knowledge of the local epidemiology helps to identify adequate prophylactic and treatment strategies.

Neonatal intensive care unit candidemia: epidemiology, risk factors, outcome, and critical review of published case series

Evaluation of epidemiological trends, risk factors, and clinical outcome associated with candidemia at a neonatal intensive care unit is reported. From January 2005 to December 2009, forty candidemia cases were identified. C. albicans and C. parapsilosis were the most common species recovered (69 and 24%, respectively). All C. parapsilosis strains were susceptible to antifungals, whereas, C. albicans exhibited higher resistance rates to azoles. Low birth weight, low gestational age, presence of central lines, endotracheal intubation, total parenteral nutrition, previous use of antibiotics, steroids, previous episode(s) of bacteremia and prolonged stay in intensive care unit were common features associated with candidemia. C. albicans was most often isolated from extremely low birth weight neonates as compared to non-albicans Candida (P < 0.01). Mortality rate was 35.7% and was associated with low gestational age (P < 0.01), low birth weight (P < 0.01), and presence of renal failure (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a critical review of recent published case series is presented.