EARLY-ONSET SYSTEMIC CANDIDA INFECTION IN EXTREMELY PRETERM NEONATES

Classically, systemic Candida infections in preterm neonates occur at a mean age of 1 month. Over an 18-month period in a Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit we encountered seven cases of severe Candida infec tion, all in babies below 26 weeks gestation and weighing less than 0. 75 kg. The median age of onset was 7 days (range 0-17), with thrombocy topenia, coagulopathy, hypotension, oedema, and skin breakdown being p rominent features. Conclusion The thin cutaneous barrier may contribut e to early onset of systemic Candida infection in preterm infants. The characteristic skin appearance may assist early diagnosis.