Author(s): Femitha P, Rojo Joy, Adhisivam B, Vishnu Bhat B, Prasad K, Bahubali D Gane,Rakesh Singh
We studied the clinical and microbiological parameters associated with candidal sepsis in neonates and identified possible predictors of poor outcome. Observational study of all cases admitted to NICU between October 2009 and July 2011, proven to have candidal growth in blood culture. Thirty six cases were identified during the study period. Odds of very low birth weight babies (3.1% vs 0.43%; OR 7.41; 95%CI 3.82, 14.39; p<0.0001) and preterm neonates (1.4% vs 0.32%; OR 4.56, 95%CI 2.08, 10.03; p<0.0001) admitted to NICU to acquire fungal sepsis were significantly more. Candida glabrata was the offending agent in 16 (44.4%) cases. Non albicans species was associated with higher mortality. Presence of candiduria was a significant risk factor for death (OR 5.14, 95% CI 1.17,22.49 P=0.04). Candida glabrata caused the most number of cases of fungal septicemia. Non albicans species and isolation of fungus from two normally sterile body sites are associated with higher risk for mortality.