Nationwide survey of neonatal invasive fungal infection in Japan

Med Mycol. 2018 Aug 1;56(6):679-686. doi: 10.1093/mmy/myx096.

Abstract

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a life-threating infectious disease in high-risk neonates. Strategies for the treatment and prevention of IFI in neonates in Japan remain unclear. We conducted a nationwide retrospective survey to determine IFI incidence between January 2014 and October 2015. Primary survey questionnaires were submitted to 309 medical facilities that regularly treat high-risk neonates. The questionnaire assessed IFI incidence during the study period, methods for preventing fungal infection in early delivery neonates, and methods for preventing mother-to-child fungal transmission. The secondary questionnaire was for facilities that had IFI cases and replied to the primary questionnaire. In total, 128 medical facilities (41.4%) completed the primary questionnaire, 17/128 facilities recorded 23 proven or probable IFI cases. Estimated annual IFI incidence was 0.33/1000 live births of hospitalized neonates. Patient data at IFI onset were available for all 23 patients. Birth weight was < 1000 g in 18 patients. Causative microorganisms were identified in 22 patients. Candida species (n = 21) were the most common pathogens, and one patient had mucormycosis. The mortality rate was 17.4%. Regarding neonatal fungal prophylaxis, 55/128 facilities (43.0%) reported administering therapy. The most frequently used prophylactic drugs were fluconazole, then micafungin. Fungal prophylaxis for mothers who showed fungal colonization was performed in 30/128 facilities (23.4%). Oxiconazole vaginal tablets were most commonly used as prophylaxis for high-risk mothers. In Japan, the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neonatal IFI varied. Continuous surveillance and treatment regimen for neonatal IFI are required to improve outcomes in high-risk neonates.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Candida / classification
  • Candida / drug effects
  • Candida / isolation & purification*
  • Candidiasis, Invasive / drug therapy
  • Candidiasis, Invasive / epidemiology*
  • Candidiasis, Invasive / mortality*
  • Cause of Death
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / drug therapy
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / mortality
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / statistics & numerical data
  • Japan / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Mothers
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents