Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients with Candidemia at a Community Teaching Hospital in Chicago - One Year Follow Up

ABSTRACT

287 IDWeek 2021). We reinstated mitigation strategies including staff education, line insertion check list and antimicrobial stewardship. 1041 patients with acute COVID-19 were admitted to our hospital in 2021 (January to December) and 6 out 12 cases (50%) of Nosocomial Candidemia were seen in patients with acute COVID-19 infection. We re-evaluated the risk factors and mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with Candidemia. Methods. We performed a retrospective chart review of the 6 patients with Candidemia and confirmed COVID-19 infection at our 292-bed community teaching hospital in Chicago, Illinois from January through December 2021. We report a descriptive analysis of the demographic characteristics, comorbidities, complications, and outcomes of these patients comparing both years. Results. The average age of our study population was 71 years (older);67% were male. The average hospital length of stay (LOS) was shorter 28 days. The mean time from admission to the development of Candidemia was slightly longer 18 days. Associated co-morbidities included cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in 83%, diabetes mellitus (DM), in 50%, and obesity in 50%. Treatments for COVID-19 included Steroids (100%), Remdesivir (50%) and Baricitinib (33%). All patients were managed in the intensive care unit (ICU) and 67% had a central in place at the time of Candidemia. Half of the patients (50%) required hemodialysis (HD);all patients were treated with multiple antibiotics. The average LOS in the ICU was 18 days (shorter). Despite antifungal treatment, 80% expired. Conclusion. Incidence of Candidemia in acute COVID-19 infections decreased by 56% in one year after reinstating mitigation strategies in our hospital. However, Candidemia remains a menace in hospitalized patients with acute COVID-19 infection. Associated risk factors remain history of CVD, DM, obesity, prolonged hospital LOS, requirement for multiple CL, HD, treatment with multiple antibiotics, treatment with steroids (100%) and a long stay in the ICU. The mortality of COVID-19 patients with Candidemia remains very high.