Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access

Abstract

Pattern of Resistant Candida Infection: Case Series

Mazen Alessa and Aditya Raina

Background: Neonatal candidiasis is one of the common nosocomial infections in the neonatal units especially in the extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants due to many factors mainly the intensive interventional care. Some of the cases can become resistant to the common antifungal treatment and therefore you have to change the treatment and minimize interventions.

Objectives: To study the pattern of resistant invasive Candida infections in a neonatal unit and to assess whether minimal intervention in very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight babies contributes to clearance of infection.

Methods: Cases of very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight, who had persistent invasive Candida infection and were extensively treated and fully investigated in a neonatal unit at Maternity Hospital in Kuwait, were prospectively followed-up for over two years. Risk factors leading to Candida infection and its persistence were assessed.

Results: All of the six cases with persistent Candida infection cleared their infection only after they were transferred from intensive care unit to the special care baby unit with minimal invasive intervention. Conclusion: This study showed that minimal interventions in very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight neonates can lead to improved outcome by reducing number of risk factors that are associated with invasive Candida infection or with its persistence.