ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study aims to determine the incidence, trends of systemic candidiasis and meningitis in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) neonates (<1000 gms) despite the routine use of topical miconazole prophylaxis and to compare the risk factors, adverse outcomes and comorbidities with controls.
Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of ELBW neonates with systemic candidiasis and meningitis over an 11-year period (1997 to 2007). Matched case control analyses were performed to determine the risk factors and comorbidities which were severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) requiring treatment, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), chronic lung disease (CLD) and cholestatic jaundice. Mortality and end organ involvement secondary to systemic candidiasis were identified as adverse outcomes. Results: Of the 757 ELBW neonates, 51 (6.7%) had evidence of systemic candidiasis with a significant 3-fold increase in trend noted in 2007 as compared against 1997 (12.1% vs 3.8%) (RR 1.2, 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.36, P <0.001). This corresponds to a significant increasing trend of preceding or co-existent bacterial blood stream infections (BSI) in neonates with systemic candidiasis (0% in 1997 vs 7.1% in 2007, RR 1.40, 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.25, P = 0.005). On logistic regression analysis, decreasing gestational age was an independent risk factor for systemic candidiasis (OR 2.0, 95% CI, 1.52 to 2.63, P <0.001). Candida meningitis was detected in 4/38 (10.5%) and end organ involvement in 17 (33%). The organisms isolated were Candida parapsilosis 31 (61%), Candida albicans 17 (33%) and Candida glabrata 3 (5.8%). Significantly higher mortality was seen in cases when compared to controls 10/51 (19.6%) vs 76/706 (10.7%) (OR 2.02, 95% CI, 1.02 to 4.40, P <0.001). Conclusion: Increasing trend in the incidence of systemic candidiasis despite routine use of topical miconazole prophylaxis is of concern and future studies comparing the use of systemic fluconazole versus oral nystatin may need to be considered.Systemic candidiasis in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates is associated with a high mortality, as well as short- and long-term morbidities. The incidence of systemic candidiasis in the very low birth weight neonates is less than 10% but it is higher in the ELBW cohort. It varies in different centres with some reporting an increasing trend. Numerous risk factors predisposing to systemic candidiasis have been implicated. Extreme prematurity with relative immunodeficiency and presence of immature and fragile skin are considered as important host factors. Other risk factors are the use of third-generation cephalosporins, H2 -receptor antagonists, parenteral steroids, prolonged ventilatory support, presence of central venous catheters, previous gastrointestinal (GI) surgery and prolonged hyperalimentation.6for suspected granulomatous mediastinal lymphadenopathy at our institution.
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