Neonatal candidemia is an increasing cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Most reported cases are due to Candida albicans, but non-albicans species are on the rise. Candida lusitaniae is infrequently reported opportunistic pathogen. It causes serious and fatal infection. Early diagnosis and proper antifungal therapy can prevent morbidity and mortality in premature neonates.
Neonatal sepsis remains the major cause of mortality and morbidity including neurodevelopmental impairment and prolonged hospital stay in newborn infants. Despite of advances in technology and optimal antibiotic treatment, incidence of neonatal sepsis and its complications remains unacceptably high especially in developing countries. Premature neonates in particular are at higher risk due to developmentally immature host defense mechanisms. Though not approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) U.S.A, off label use of intravenous immunoglobulin continues in many countries. Recent evidences showed no significant decrease in the mortality rate or other outcomes when intravenous immunoglobulin is administered in addition to standard therapies. Hence, use of intravenous immunoglobulin in suspected or proven neonatal sepsis is not recommended. The expense of prophylactic use of intravenous immunoglobulin administration for both term and preterm newborn population, given the minimal benefit is not justified. Future studies are required which should focus on other prophylactic or adjuvant treatment modalities in addition to the standard therapy in neonatal sepsis.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.