Clinical features of 9 cases of Candida parapsilosis septicemia

Objective\r\nTo analyze the clinical characteristics of Candida parapsilosis septicemia of prematurity and provide a reference for both diagnosis and treatment.\r\n\r\n\r\nMethods\r\nThe clinical data of 9 premature suffering with candida parapsilosis septicemia were retrospectively analyzed.\r\n\r\n\r\nResults\r\nAll 9 cases (0.73 percent in the corresponding period) were premature infants with gestational age less than 37 weeks.The average weight of the patients was (1 621.00±372.22) g, among which 5 cases were of very low birth weight and 4 cases were of low birth weight.The average time of the fungi infection was (22.00±7.58) d. Of the 9 cases, 7 cases had been treated with broad spectrum antibiotics previously, 9 cases were given nutrition intravenously, 7 cases were treated with mechanical ventilation, 7 cases adopted peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC) and 1 case received surgery.The symptoms included poor response, unstable serum oxygen saturation, jaundice, poor perfusion, abdominal distention, fever and no bodyweight increase.Laboratory tests results presented platelet decrease(6 cases), C-reaction protein increase(6 cases), high plasma (1-3)-β-D glucan level(9 cases) and white blood cells in the normal range(6 cases). All 9 infants recovered after receiving fluconazole and supporting treatment. Two cases failed to complete the hospital treatment but after discharge from hospital continued treatment by administering prescribed medicine, and through regular follow-up was done, the prognosis of all cases turned out to be good, and no case died.\r\n\r\n\r\nConclusions\r\nGestational age, birth weight, application of broad spectrum antibiotics, mechanical ventilation and peripherally inserted central catheter are common high risk factors of Candida parapsilosis septicemia in premature infants.The disease was featured with normal white blood cell, low platelet, high serum levels of C-reaction protein and (1-3)-β-D glucan.Anti-fungi therapy with fluconazole may be a good choice for it.\r\n\r\n\r\nKey words: \r\nCandida parapsilosis; Septicemia; Infant, premature