Iranian Journal of Neonatology

Iranian Journal of Neonatology

Evaluation of the Fluconazole Prophylaxis against Fungal Colonization in the Preterm Neonates: A Double-blind Clinical Trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sara Amini 1
Gholamreza Pouladfar 2
Fatemeh Ghasemi 3
Hadis Jafarian 3
Parisa Badiee 3
1 Department of Pediatrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 1. Department of Pediatrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2. Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3 Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
10.22038/ijn.2024.72428.2403
Abstract
Background: Our study aimed to compare the twice-weekly and three-time weekly prophylactic fluconazole regimens among low birth weight premature neonates.
Methods: Premature neonates (40 cases) were divided into two groups and received two and three-times-weekly fluconazole regimens for three weeks. Surveillance of fungal colonization was performed before treatment and twice weekly.
Results: Fungal colonization occurred in 11 infants in group A and 4 infants in group B (55% vs. 20%, p=0.022). In both groups, the rectum was the most common site of colonization. Candida glabrata, Candida orthopsilosis and, Candida albicans were the most commonly isolated species in both groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding birth weight, gestational age, and other baseline risk factors for fungal colonization.
Conclusion: In this study, the three-times-weekly administration of prophylactic fluconazole appears to be more effective in preventing fungal colonization than the twice-weekly regimen among premature neonates.
 
Keywords
Candida
Fluconazole
Neonates
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Iranian Journal of Neonatology
Volume 15, Issue 2
Spring 2024
Pages 13-19