DETERMINANTS OF MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH CANDIDAEMIA IN A NIGERIANTERTIARY HOSPITAL: A FIVE-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: OLUWOLE Temitayo Oluwaseun
Journal: The Nigerian Journal Of Clinical Medicine
ISSN Number:
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Abstract
Background
Candidaemia is a life-threatening infection that is progressively increasing, and is associated with
increased morbidity and mortality despite advances in medical care. Identifying mortality-related factors is crucial for
improving patient outcomes. This study assessed the epidemiology and clinical outcome of candidaemia among
patients in a private, tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on all culture-confirmed cases of candidaemia between 2018 and 2022.
Blood culture data from the Medical Microbiology Laboratory were reviewed, and patient records assessed to collect
demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed to
identify possible predictors of mortality.
Results
Candida spp. were isolated from 11.6% of patients with positive blood cultures with 58.3% occurring in
children under 5 years. Non-albicans Candida species accounted for 85.4% of isolates. The overall mortality rate was
70.8%, with the highest mortality observed in patients over 65 years. Factors significantly associated with mortality
included age > 65 years (p=0.033), ICU admission (p=0.044), and presence of comorbidities (p=0.028).
Conclusions
This study highlights the burden and the high mortality associated with candidaemia and the need for
early diagnosis, risk stratification, and targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes
