Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyDrug Reaction DataReferences

View all Images (9)

Potentially life-threatening emergency
Disseminated candidiasis in Child
Print Captions
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed
Potentially life-threatening emergency

Disseminated candidiasis in Child

Print Images (9)
Contributors: Philip I. Song MD, Susan Burgin MD, Craig N. Burkhart MD, Dean Morrell MD, Paritosh Prasad MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Alerts and Notices

Synopsis

Disseminated candidiasis : Chills, Fever, Scattered many, Myalgia, Smooth papules
Disseminated candidiasis, also known as invasive candidiasis, Candida septicemia, or systemic candidiasis, arises as a result of Candida species in the blood and is predominantly caused by Candida albicans species. Candida species on a blood culture should not be considered a contaminant. Systemic candidiasis varies in its severity and clinical presentation. It can range from a mild presentation to more widespread and disseminated disease involving multiple organs, sepsis, and shock. Systemic candidiasis is more common among immunosuppressed patients and chronically or critically ill children, in addition to patients with a defective or compromised skin barrier. Other risk factors include having a central venous catheter, hematologic malignancy, or stem-cell transplant, receiving parenteral nutrition, receiving hemodialysis, and being on broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Organ systems commonly affected include the kidneys, with over half of patients manifesting some form of renal involvement, which may include candiduria, hypertension, renal failure, abscess formation, and the development of fungal balls leading to obstruction and hydronephrosis. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is also frequent, occurring in one-third of cases, and may result in abscess formation. Endophthalmitis is seen in almost half of all cases.

Cutaneous manifestations of systemic Candida infection include a generalized dermatitis, which may be followed by desquamation. Other common skin findings range from discrete pustules and erythematous or pink papules to nodules and necrotic skin. Macules may also be present. Chorioretinitis is characteristic.

Generalized symptoms include spiking fevers, chills, headache, hypotension, respiratory distress, blurred vision, and prostration. Myalgias, arthralgias, and osteoarthritis may be present. Pneumonia occurs in 70% of patients.

Systemic candidiasis is a serious illness that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Candida auris
Candida auris is an emerging cause of candidemia that is notable for high rates of mortality and for drug resistance. See below and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Information for Laboratorians and Health Professionals for more detailed information.

Codes

ICD10CM:
B37.7 – Candidal sepsis

SNOMEDCT:
70572005 – Disseminated candidiasis

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

Drug Reaction Data

Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:03/22/2023
Last Updated:03/23/2023
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Potentially life-threatening emergency
Disseminated candidiasis in Child
Captions Print   View all Images (9)
(with subscription)
A medical illustration showing key findings of Disseminated candidiasis : Chills, Fever, Scattered many, Myalgia, Smooth papules
Clinical image of Disseminated candidiasis - imageId=186211. Click to open in gallery. caption: 'A cluster of red papules, some with overlying pustules and others with central early crusts, on the foot of a patient with end stage renal disease.'
A cluster of red papules, some with overlying pustules and others with central early crusts, on the foot of a patient with end stage renal disease.

+7 More images of Disseminated candidiasis with subscription

Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.