Fungal infections in pediatric intensive care units

Abstract

Pediatric fungal infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Few adequately powered antifungal trials have been performed in neonates and children. Neonatologists and peditricians are reliant on adult trials when managing candidemia. Recent guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommend fluconazole or an echinocandin for empiric therapy in suitable candidates, with a preference for an echinocandin in patients with moderate-to severe disease, recent azole exposure, or high risk of C. glabrata or C. krusei infection.

Keywords::

• pediatric fungal infections
• invasive candidiasis
• echinocandin
• micafungin

Declaration of interest: No personal or institutional potential financial conflicts of interest exist for this manuscript.