Bloodstream infection by Candida spp. in the neonatal unit of a teaching hospital from North Region, Brazil: study of risk factors

Abstract

Candidemia has been responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates and is increasingly causing sepsis in neonatal intensive care units. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors relating to Candida spp. bloodstream infections among neonates in the neonatal unit of a teaching hospital from Brazilian North Region. It was a retrospective and case-control study involving patient records admitted from 2008 to 2010 to the intermediary and intensive care units in the neonatology division of Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará hospital. Candidemia cases were confirmed when Candida spp. were detected from positive blood culture 48 h after admission. The proportion among cases and controls was 1:2, showing 36 patients with candidemia which is a coefficient of 15.1 episodes per 1,000 admissions. The infection was associated with extremely low birth weight, central venous catheter use, prolonged parenteral nutrition, and previous antibiotic therapy with at least three antibiotics.