Open AccessFREQUENCY OF ESOPHAGEAL CANDIDIASIS IN NON HIV DYSPHAGIC PATIENTS ON UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY
Author(s) -
Nowsherwan,
Sohail Athar,
Maroof Amjad,
Yasin,
Ibrar
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
journal of saidu medical college
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1819-4583
DOI - 10.52206/jsmc.2016.6.1.758-761
Subject(s) - medicine , odynophagia , esophageal candidiasis , dysphagia , gastroenterology , esophagitis , incidence (geometry) , esophagus , cirrhosis , surgery , reflux , disease , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , immunology , physics , viral disease , optics
BACKGROUND: There is growing incidence of Candida esophagitis due to the increasing numbers ofimmune compromised patients, intensive chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, high dose oraland inhaled corticosteroids, potent antibiotic therapy, alcoholism and chronic illness such as diabetesmellitus and liver cirrhosis all have contributed to this increase. The diagnosis is made based on physicalexamination. Grams stain of the smear (hyphae) may further add in the diagnosis. Endoscopic diagnosisis based on characteristic lesions. This study was carried out to assess the status of esophagealcandidiasis in non HIV infected patients attending a teaching hospital.OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of esophageal candidiasis in non HIV patients presentingwith dysphagia and to assess the underlying risk factors.MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is a retrospective observational study, carried out at Lady ReadingHospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from September 2008 to November 2010. All the patients presenting withdysphagia underwent upper GI endoscopic examination during 2008 to 2010. The cases thoroughlyreviewed regarding their history examination and findings of the endoscopy. Patients with HIV / AIDSwere excluded. Results were compiled and statistically analyzed.RESULTS: A total of 200 cases were included. Male to female ratio was 2.1 : 1 . Mean age was 52.9 ±14.6. The main indications were dysphagia/odynophagia. Esophageal candidiasis was found in 28patients, out of which, 20 were male and 08 were female. The underlying risk factors were also assessed.The major risk factors were steroid therapy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, carcinoma esophagus andstomach, broad spectrum antibiotic and chronic liver diseases.CONCLUSION: Dysphagia is a significant presenting feature of Candida esophagitis Anti-fungaltreatment for 2 to 3 weeks is recommended on empirical basis in high risk patients for esophagealcandidiasis. If no improvement, then upper GI endoscopy is recommended.KEY WORDS: Esophageal candidiasis, Non-HIV, dysphagia.