Ophthalmologic, visceral, and cardiac involvement in neonates with candidemia Article uri icon

abstract

  • A retrospective review of 86 neonates with candidemia hospitalized from January 1989 through June 1999 was conducted to determine the frequency of ophthalmologic, visceral, or cardiac involvement. Retinal abnormalities were observed in 4 (6%25) of the 67 infants in whom indirect ophthalmoscopy examination was performed. Abdominal ultrasound abnormalities were detected in 5 (7.7%25) of 65 infants. Echocardiogram revealed thrombi or vegetations in 11 (15.2%25) of 72 infants. Age at onset, presence of central venous catheters, and species of Candida were not predictors for involvementat these sites. Infants with candidemia that lasted≥5 days were more likely to demonstrate ophthalmologic, renal, or cardiac abnormalities than those with a shorter duration. Infants with involvement of these organs received larger cumulative dosesof amphotericin B than those without detectable abnormalities. Because complication of disseminated candidiasis by eye, renal, or cardiac involvement hastherapeutic implications, and because risk factors for candidemia inadequately predict these complications, evaluations are indicated for all neonates with candidemia. © 2001 Infectious Diseases Society of America.

publication date

  • 2001-01-01