Neonatal Candidiasis Among Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants: Risk Factors, Mortality Rates, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 18 to 22 Months

Abstract
BACKGROUND. Neonatal candidiasis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Neurodevelopmental follow-up data for a large multicenter cohort have not been reported. METHODS. Data were collected prospectively for neonates born at 1 day after initiation of antifungal therapy), compared with infants whose catheters were removed or replaced promptly. CONCLUSIONS. Blood cultures were negative for approximately one half of the infants with Candida meningitis. Persistent candidiasis was common. Delayed catheter removal was associated with increased death and NDI rates.