Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Candida species are the leading cause of invasive fungal infections in hospitalized children and are the third most common isolates recovered from pediatric cases of health care associated bloodstream infection. Materials & Methods: 102 pediatric patients of both genders admitted to intensive care unit were involved. A case of candidemia was defined as one or more positive blood cultures obtained by a peripheral venipuncture or through an indwelling central venous catheter (CVC) that yielded growth of any candida species. Results: Age group 1-5 years had 28, 5-10 years had 50 and >10 years had 24 patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Underlying diseases were respiratory tract diseases were 30, neurological diseases were 24, CVDs were 16 and chronic liver diseases were 32. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). ETT intubation was seen in 74, mechanical ventilation >7 days was seen in 68, PICU stay >15 days in 80 and total mortality in 35 pediatric patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: There was hight mortality in pediatric ICU patients suffered from candidiasis. Key words: Children, Candidiasis, ICU.