Expert review of anti-infective therapy
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Oct 2006
ReviewPrevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections in the neonatal intensive care setting.
Nosocomial infection causes substantial morbidity and mortality among neonates treated in the neonatal intensive care setting. Colonization and subsequent infection of central venous catheters leading to catheter-related bloodstream infection is among the most common causes of nosocomial sepsis in this patient population. Prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection is a major challenge and numerous strategies have been attempted in this context with varying success. Given the dynamic epidemiology of nosocomial infection among neonates and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, novel prevention strategies are urgently required.
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Oct 2006
ReviewCandida infections in the intensive care unit: epidemiology, risk factors and therapeutic strategies.
This article reviews the epidemiology, predisposing risk factors and outcome of systemic Candida spp. infections in the intensive care unit setting. Incidence of systemic Candida infections in patients requiring intensive care has increased substantially in recent years; while diagnosis of serious Candida infection may be difficult, the clinical conditions which predispose patients to these infections are now better understood and effective antifungal therapies are becoming increasingly available. ⋯ Patients at highest risk for Candida infection may be potential candidates for early, presumptive therapy. In this article we review antifungal treatment, including the use of polyenes, azoles and echinocandines, and the role of prophylaxis.