In patients with invasive candidiasis, it is critical to monitor for several serious complications that can significantly impact prognosis and management. These include persistent bloodstream infection (candidemia), which may lead to septic shock and multi-organ failure, particularly in critically ill patients NICE NG51 Chastain et al. 2024. Another key complication is metastatic dissemination, where Candida species spread hematogenously to cause deep-seated infections such as endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and abscess formation in organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, and eyes NICE NG51 Hon et al. 2024. Ocular involvement, including endophthalmitis, is a notable complication requiring prompt ophthalmologic assessment to prevent vision loss NICE NG51 Chastain et al. 2024. Additionally, invasive candidiasis can cause complications related to immune suppression or neutropenia, increasing susceptibility to secondary infections and delaying recovery NICE NG51 Hon et al. 2024. Monitoring for signs of organ dysfunction, including renal impairment and respiratory failure, is essential as these may indicate progression of infection or treatment-related toxicity NICE NG51 Chastain et al. 2024. Early recognition and management of these complications improve outcomes, underscoring the importance of vigilant clinical and laboratory monitoring in patients diagnosed with invasive candidiasis.
Key References
- NG51 - Suspected sepsis: recognition, diagnosis and early management
- CG151 - Neutropenic sepsis: prevention and management in people with cancer
- CG139 - Healthcare-associated infections: prevention and control in primary and community care
- (Chastain et al., 2024): Candidemia in Adult Patients in the ICU: A Reappraisal of Susceptibility Testing and Antifungal Therapy.
- (Hon et al., 2024): Invasive fungal infections in critically ill children: epidemiology, risk factors and antifungal drugs.