Abstract

Background: Candida infections are frequent and major causes of septicemia in neonatal intensive care units and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Low birth weight preterm infants are especially vulnerable to these devastating infections. Material and methods: A prospective observational study was done from May 2013 to June 2014 in SCABU (Special Care Baby Unit) & ICU (Intensive Care Unit) of Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital, Dhaka. All neonates admitted with suspected clinical sepsis were analyzed in the study. Among which 30 culture positive candida cases were identified and included in this study. Outcome measures assessed was the incidence of candidemia in our NICU with clinical profiles and associated risk factors. Results: Out of 30 newborns 18 (60%) were preterms, 20% of study population were having a birth weight of <1 kg, 23.3% with a birth weight of 1-1.5 kg and 23.3% with a birth weight of 1.5-2.5 kg. 73.4% of the study population were hospitalized for >1 week. In the study group 56.7% had feed intolerance, 53.3% needed ventilator support, 56.7% had temperature instability, 73.3% had thrombocytopenia 63.3% had apnea and 73.3% had jaundice. The overall survival was 63.3%. Conclusions Low birth weight, prematurity, use of broad spectrum antibiotics, mechanical ventilation and prolonged hospital stay were important risk factors associated with neonatal candidiasis in this study. Thrombocytopenia, feed intolerance, increased requirement for ventilator support, temperature instability, jaundice and apnea were significant clinical parameters noted in babies with culture proven neonatal candidiasis. The overall survival was 63.3% in the study group.

Keywords

Candida, Fungal sepsis, Fungal blood stream infection, Neonates, Preterm, Very low birth weight, Risk factors