Abstract
OBJECTIVES. Congenital candidiasis is a rare disease associated with significant neonatal morbidity and mortality especially in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Except typical cutaneous symptoms, it may cause an invasive process leading to serious organ damage, respiratory distress, substantial neurodevelopmental impairment, development of sepsis or death.

CASE REPORT. We report a case of congenital candidiasis in an ELBW immature neonate caused by Candida albicans presenting by gradually developing skin lesions characterized by diffuse erythematous macules and papules on the trunk, back, groin and extremities. The condition was complicated by fulminant sepsis with hypotension, respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis, mineral imbalance, and hyperglycaemia.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS. Early initiation of intravenous antifungal treatment is important when systemic symptoms of congenital candidiasis are present. Prophylaxis of fungal infections should be considered early with respect to risk factors, particularly in ELBW premature neonates (Fig. Ref. 14). Text in PDF www.lekarskyobzor.sk.

KEY WORDS: Candida albicans, candidiasis, congenital invasive candidiasis, ELBW infant, antifungal therapy.
Lek Obz 2022, 71 (9): 361-364

Filip SCHRENK, Lucia ČASNOCHA LÚČANOVÁ, Zuzana KUDERAVÁ, Katarína MAAŠOVÁ

Clinic of Neonatology, University Hospital in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Martin, head of department prof. MUDr. M. Zibolen, CSc.

CITE:
SCHRENK F., ČASNOCHA LÚČANOVÁ L., KUDERAVÁ Z., MAAŠOVÁ K.: Congenital candidiasis in an extremely low birth weight infant. Lek Obz 2022, 71 (9): 361-364