Use of Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Test Reduces Antifungal Medication Prescription for Suspected Monilial Diaper Dermatitis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: Despite availability of rapid fungal potassium hydroxide (KOH) tests, many care providers rely on visual assessment to determine the diagnosis of monilial diaper dermatitis (MDD). Purpose: To determine whether a KOH test, when MDD is suspected, would result in more accurate diagnoses, with decreased antifungal medication prescription and exposure. Methods: Quality improvement project from 2016 through 2017 with protocol implemented in 2017 for treatment of MDD after positive KOH testing. If monilial rash suspected, after 2 negative KOH tests, then antifungal ordered (considered false negative). χ2 testing and cost determination were performed. Sample: Neonates in 2 level III neonatal intensive care units. Outcome Variables: KOH test results, use of antifungal medication, and cost. Results: The patient census included 1051 and 1015 patients in the year before and after the protocol initiation. The medical orders for antifungal medication decreased from 143 to 36 (P < .001; 95% odds ratio confidence interval, 2.24-4.38). There was a 75% reduction in both use and cost, as charged, of antifungal agents. Overall charges, including KOH test costs, decreased by 12%. Three infants received multiple negative KOH tests, then a positive one. These met the definition of false-negative tests, per protocol. There were no cases of fungal sepsis. Implications for Practice: Use of a quality improvement protocol, in which the use of KOH testing is required, before antifungal agents are prescribed, results in decreased exposure and costs. Implications for Research: To test the feasibility of bedside “point-of-care” KOH testing, and whether KOH testing and reduced antifungal medication use affects antimicrobial resistance or invasive fungal sepsis.

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“…Outcomes consist of KOH test, [ 22 , 23 ] and change in clinical symptoms and signs (including erythema, scaling and pruritus). Mycologic cure was defined as a negative KOH results at the end of study period.…”