Complications of Candidemia in ICU Patients: Endophthalmitis, Osteomyelitis, Endocarditis.

Bloodstream infection with Candida species is not uncommon in the intensive care unit setting and has the potential to distribute organisms to many different organ systems causing secondary infections, such as endophthalmitis, osteomyelitis, and endocarditis. In some patients, these types of infections become manifested shortly after the episode of candidemia. In others, especially vertebral osteomyelitis, weeks pass before the diagnosis is entertained. Endophthalmitis should be sought by a retinal examination in all patients early after an episode of candidemia. Both osteomyelitis and endocarditis are less common complications of candidemia than endophthalmitis. In patients who manifest symptoms or signs suggesting these infections, magnetic resonance imaging and transesophageal echocardiography, respectively, are extremely helpful diagnostic tests. Newer approaches to the treatment of these infections allow the use of better tolerated, safer antifungal agents. Endophthalmitis is often treated with fluconazole or voriconazole, and the echinocandins are increasingly used, instead of amphotericin B, as initial therapy for osteomyelitis and endocarditis before step-down therapy to oral azole agents. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.