Candida Prophylaxis
Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a serious infection in hospitalized infants that results in significant mortality and morbidities. Antifungals are used for prophylaxis to decrease the risk of IC. Fluconazole is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for prophylaxis of invasive candidiasis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation but is not approved for prophylaxis in infants. Significant short- and long-term toxicity and increases in fluconazole-resistant organisms have not been observed with fluconazole use in the intensive care nursery. Centers with a low incidence of invasive candidiasis may not benefit from fluconazole prophylaxis. Fluconazole appears to be safe and effective as prophylaxis in infants with moderate-high risk for IC, and the recommended dose is 6 mg/kg twice weekly.
