Candidemia in a Pediatric Center and Importance of Central Venous Catheter Removal

Candidemia has emerged as an important cause of hospital-associated blood-stream infection in children. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in distribution of candida species, risk factors, treatment, and clinical outcome of candidemia in children. This study in children ≤18 years with blood culture proven candidemia identified between 2004 and 2012. Analyses included the determination of causative candida species, resistance to antifungals and clinical outcome, as well as the identification of potential risk factors associated with candidemia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Presence of growth of any candida species in at least one blood culture

Exclusion Criteria:

• Febrile neutropenic patients who were using empirical antifungal agents