title: Invasive candidiasis in long-term patients at a multidisciplinary intensive care unit: Candida colonization index, risk factors, treatment and outcome.
abstract: The incidence of fungal infections in hospitalized patients has increased, and due to demographic changes and increasingly advanced medical methods, the intensive care units (ICU) have emerged as epicentres for fungal infections. The aim of the present study was to investigate Candida colonization pattern and colonization index (CI), in combination with other risk factors and its relation to invasive candida infection (ICI), in 59 consecutive patients with at least 7 d length of stay (LOS) at a multidisciplinary ICU. Surveillance samples were collected on d 7 and then weekly during the ICU stay. In addition, immunological status was monitored by measuring the histocompatibility leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR). In the present study with a patient population burdened by several risk factors for ICI, 17% acquired an invasive infection. Overall ICU mortality was 30%. We could demonstrate that both a high colonization index and recent extensive gastroabdominal surgery were significantly correlated with ICI, while a decreased level of HLA-DR (< or = 70%) was not predictive for ICI in this high-risk population. The results indicate that ICU patients exposed to extensive gastroabdominal surgery would benefit from early antifungal prophylaxis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. christina.agvald@telia.com
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Agvald-Ohman
authors.forename: Lena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Klingspor
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hjelmqvist
authors.forename: Charlotta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Edlund
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002353:Carrier State / Q000382:microbiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D016469:Fungemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D006684:HLA-DR Antigens