Importancia de las infecciones por Candida en neonatología

Abstract

Candida infections are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants, and especially in preterm infants of very low birth weight (less than 1,500 g).

A review is presented on Candida infections in neonatology, neonatal intensive care units in preterm infants of very low birth weight and the advantages and disadvantages of the use of prophylaxis, mainly with fluconazole, and the associated risk factors.

The use of prophylaxis is not a practice used systematically in all hospitals or in all neonatal intensive care units. Its implementation depends on the incidence of Candida infection, the associated mortality, and the particular characteristics of the hospital.

Based on scientific evidence, the use of antifungal prophylaxis is not routinely suggested in all preterm infants (grade 2B). This is reserved for neonates weighing less than 1,000 g in centres with a high incidence of fungal infection. Also, in these cases the use of fluconazole against other antifungals is suggested due to the greater and more robust evidence.