Fluconazole to Prevent Invasive Candidiasis in Tiny Preemies

Among neonates with birth weights below 1000 g, fluconazole prophylaxis reduced the incidence of invasive candidiasis without the development of fluconazole resistance.

Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a common cause of sepsis among neonates with birth weights ≤1500 g. Prophylaxis with fluconazole reduces IC incidence (Journal Watch Infectious Diseases Jan 3 2007 and Jun 13 2007) but has not been widely adopted because of concerns about safety and about emergence of fluconazole-resistant Candida strains. Researchers recently published the results of a 4-year fluconazole prophylaxis study, which provides longer follow-up than did previous investigations.

Beginning in April 2002, infants admitted to a Houston neonatal ICU who had risk factors for IC were eligible to receive fluconazole at the attending neonatologist’s discretion. Fluconazole (3 mg/kg intravenously per day) was administered on a predetermined sche…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Fluconazole to Prevent Invasive Candidiasis in Tiny Preemies

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Reviewing Author