Pattern of Candidiasis in the Newborn: A Study from Kuwait

Objectives: To determine the rate and pattern of Candida infection in a large neonatal unit in Kuwait. Methods: A prospective study of all newborn infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Maternity Hospital in Kuwait during the year of 1997 and who were suspected of having Candida infection were collected and analyzed. Method of selection of neonates, laboratory parameters and possible risk factors of the infection were identified and defined. Results:Candida infection was recognized in 22 (8.4%) cases out of 263 total infants admitted to the NICU. All the proven cases originated from 168 infants of birth weight less than 2,000 g with an incidence of 13%. In addition, Candida infection was suspected and treated without positive culture in 15 infants (5.7%). Cases with proven Candida sepsis had longer mean duration of endotracheal intubation (p < 0.03) and total parenteral nutrition (p < 0.03) and more episodes of concomitant bacterial infection (p < 0.01) compared to infants with suspected candidiasis. Conclusion: For an early diagnosis of candidiasis, a high index of suspicion in septic low-birth weight infants is always warranted since the clinical and laboratory diagnostic parameters are difficult to differentiate between suspected and proven cases.