Abstract
BACKGROUND: Among critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation, Candida spp. are commonly detected in the lower respiratory tract (LRT). This is generally considered to represent colonization. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of antifungal treatments and the clinical outcomes of patients with Candida colonization of the LRT. METHODS: This retrospective analysis involved consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit between April 2016 and May 2021with positive results on Candida spp. testing of LRT samples. Data related to antifungal treatment and clinical outcomes were analyzed descriptively, and multivariable logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: Of 200 patients initially identified, 160 (80%) died in hospital. Antifungal therapy was given to 103 (51.5%) of the patients, with treatment being more likely among those with shock and those who received parenteral nutrition. Mortality was high among patients with positive Candida results on LRT culture, regardless of treatment. Multivariable logistic regression, with adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, showed that antifungal treatment was associated with lower odds of death (odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.17-0.87) compared with no treatment (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed higher mortality rates than have been reported previously. Further investigation into the role of antifungal therapy among critically ill patients with Candida spp. colonization is required.