Topical Nystatin for the Prevention of Catheter-Associated Candidiasis in ELBW Infants.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-associated Candida bloodstream infections are a common and serious problem in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Several prophylactic regimens have been developed including oral administration of nonabsorbable antifungals and intravenous infusions. No reports to date have employed a topical regimen. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of topical nystatin cream in preventing catheter-associated Candida sepsis. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive design was used to determine the incidence of Candida sepsis in extremely low-birth weight (ELBW, <1000 g 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 study infants were reviewed to establish the incidence of Candida sepsis. RESULTS: A total of 464 ELBW infants were admitted to the NICU during the study period. Three infants (0.65%) developed Candida sepsis. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: 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. The use of this protocol may contribute to a decrease in the morbidity and mortality rate associated with catheter-associated Candida infections in ELBW infants. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Before generalizations can be made as to the safety and efficacy of this protocol as compared to enteral and parenteral prophylactic treatments and in other institutions, large multicenter randomized controlled trials are required.

Candida albicans: an opportunistic threat to critically ill low birth weight infants.

Major advances in the management of critically ill low birth weight (LBW) infants have increased their survival. Yet the clinical course of these infants is complicated by the emergence of opportunistic microbial pathogens. Most importantly, serious infections from opportunistic fungi, such as Candida albicans, have produced systemic disease in vulnerable LBW infants. Invasive C. albicans infection is generally difficult to manage and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Because the infection has an insidious and rapid course, the critical care nurse and advanced practice nurse need to provide key prevention and early treatment measures.