Neonatal candidiasis: renal and pulmonary manifestations

Abstract

A description of three newborns with renal candidiasis and a review of 14 others suggest the following pathogenesis: antibiotic therapy in a premature baby with an intravascular catheter is followed by hematogenous renal spread, candiduria, and acute obstructive nephropathy by mycotic bezoars. The radiologic appearance is often characteristic. Prompt therapy is the only possibility for survival. Primary thoracic candidiasis occurs more frequently in the full term baby and is probably aspirated during birth. One patient is described and 20 cases from the literature are reviewed. The radiologic appearance is nonspecific.