Abstract
BACKGROUND: Candidemia represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. We examined the epidemiology and associated risk factors of candidemia at a Canadian tertiary care paediatric hospital over an 11-year period. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on children with positive blood culture for Candida species between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2018. Patient demographics, previously described candidemia risk factors, Candida species, follow-up investigations, interventions, and outcome data were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-one candidemia episodes were reported with an overall incidence rate of 5.1 cases per 10,000 patient admissions. Of the 66 species identified, the most common was Candida albicans (53%, 35), followed by Candida parapsilosis (18%, 12), and Candida glabrata (8%, 5). Mixed candidemia was noted in 8% (5/61) of episodes. The most common risk factors included presence of central venous catheter (95%, 58/61) and receipt of antibiotics in the last 30 days (92%, 56/61). Majority of patients received abdominal imaging (89%, 54/61), ophthalmology consult (84%, 51/61), and echocardiogram (70%, 43/61), regardless of age. Line removal was performed in 81% (47/58) of cases. Evidence of disseminated fungal disease on abdominal imaging was observed in 11% (6/54) of patients, all in non-neonates but with risk factors including immunosuppression and gastrointestinal abnormalities. The overall 30-day case fatality rate was 8% (5/61). CONCLUSIONS: C. albicans was the most commonly isolated species. Disseminated candidiasis was demonstrated mainly on abdominal imaging in patients with relevant risk factors, including immunosuppression and gastrointestinal abnormalities.