Pediatrics

Biography

Biography: Mary Beth Bodin

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Catheter-associated Candida bloodstream infections are a common and serious problem in Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICU). Several prophylactic regimens have been developed including oral administration of non-absorbable antifungals and intravenous infusions. No reports to date have employed a topical regimen. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of topical nystatin cream in reducing catheter-associated Candida sepsis. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective descriptive design was used to determine the incidence of Candida sepsis in Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW, <1000 grams at birth) infants who were treated with topical nystatin cream for Candida bloodstream infection prophylaxis between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2010. The electronic medical records of all infants less than 1,000 grams admitted to the study NICU were reviewed to establish the incidence of Candida sepsis. RESULT: 464 ELBW infants were admitted to the NICU during the study period. Three infants (0.65%) developed Candida sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that a topical nystatin cream protocol is associated with a very low rate of Candida sepsis in ELBW infants with central catheters. Use of this protocol may contribute to a decrease in the morbidity and mortality associated with catheter-associated Candida infections in ELBW infants.