Efficacy of Prophylactic Fluconazole Therapy in Preterm and Very Low Birth Weight Neonates in Preventing Invasive Fungal Infection.

Invasive fungal infection is detecting candida species in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine. Clinical signs of invasive candidiasis may include lethargy, temperature instability, feeding intolerance, apnea, hypotension, respiratory distress, abdominal distension, and thrombocytopenia. Fungal infection has been associated with an increased risk of retinopathy of prematurity and chronic lung disease. Preterm and low birth weight infants have an immature immune system that predisposes them to infections with bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These infants usually require prolonged admission in the neonatal unit and there is often a need for the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics which predisposes them to colonization with fungi that may invade to cause systemic disease8. Other risk factors for the development of invasive fungal infection include endotracheal intubation, abdominal surgery, the presence of a central venous catheter, administration of H2 antagonists, and steroids. Infection with Candida species is the third most common cause of bloodstream infection in premature infants. Mortality in preterm infants due to invasive candidiasis is around 20% and can be as high as 50% in infants weighing <1500g at birth. Invasive candidiasis is the second most common infectious cause of death in extremely preterm infants. The present study was conducted to determine the incidence of invasive candidiasis among preterm and very low birth weight infants in our neonatal unit and to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic fluconazole in preventing invasive fungal infection. Based on the results of the present study institutional guidelines may be designed in our neonatal unit relating to antifungal prophylaxis in preterm and very low birth weight infants.