Risk factors for candidemia in neonates: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Premature and low birth weight newborns are at greater risk of developing nosocomial infections, including Candida spp infections. This is a systematic literature review to identify risk factors for developing candidemia in neonates. The search was performed in the VHL, Cochrane, Embase, Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus and Web of Science databases and the terms were: Candidemia, Candidiasis, Candida spp. Invasive Candidiasis, Risk Factors, Infant, Newborn and Neonatology. Meta-analysis was performed for risk factor using Comprehensive Meta Analysis. A total of 2218 articles were identified and 42 papers were included. The main risk factors were: low weight, previous surgery, intubation, mechanical ventilation, central venous catheter, antibiotics and parenteral nutrition. Low birth weight and neonatal units care assistance factors were the main predictors of Candidemia in neonates. Prospective studies are necessary with systematic follow-up during hospitalization to define measures to prevent infection, since retrospective studies have inherent selection and information bias.