2009, Number 3
Decubital candidiasis. Clinical and mycological data in 30 cases
Romero PM, Arenas R, Poletti VED, Márquez DF, Adame AC, Zavala HX, Ruelas RR
Full text
Language: Spanish
References: 9
Page: 164-170
PDF size: 66.70 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Background: Decubital candidiasis is characterized by erythematous papules, pustules, erosions and scales affecting the back and gluteal regions in patients laying for long periods in hospital beds.Objective: To obtain the frequency of decubital candidiasis in hospitalized patients.
Methods: An open and prospective study in a general hospital in the city of Aguascalientes, Mexico. One hundred and thirty five partially immobile hospitalized patients were evaluated, those who had been three days or more, laying in decubitus in their beds. Evaluations every 7 days were performed till their discharge. Both sexes were included, without previous lesions and without antifungal treatments. Myco lo - gical studies were performed to patients with clinical manifestations.
Results: From the 135 partially immobile patients with more than 3 days, 30 presented clinical features (22%): Male (57%) with an age range of 16 to 77 years (mean 46.8), days at the hospital from 3 to 79 (mean 36.5). The most common causes of hospitalization were neurological conditions (33%), 73% with major surgery or ventilation procedures. Decubital candidiasis affected the back (40%) with erythema and scales (63%) and 80% were completely immobilized. 90% received antibiotics and 20% systemic corticosteroids. Six patients had diabetes type 2 (20%) and just one decubital candidiasis. KOH was positive en 6 (20%) and culture in 7 patients (23%), in 57 % Candida Albicans was isolated.
Conclusion: Decubital candidiasis must be considerate when patients stay immobile more than two weeks and if they receive antibiotics. A better knowledge of risk factors will allow to prevent extension and associated complications.
REFERENCES