Factors influencing outcomes in candidemia: A retrospective study of patients in a Swedish county

AbstractBackgroundCandidemia is a diverse condition and associated with a broad spectrum of clinical presentation. As mortality is high, timely diagnosis of candidemia and start of correct therapeutic treatment are essential.ObjectivesTo investigate characteristics and factors influencing outcomes for patients with candidemia in a Swedish setting.MethodAll positive blood cultures for any Candida species in Östergötland County from 2012 to 2016 were screened. Medical records of patients fulfilling all inclusion criteria and no exclusion criteria were retrospectively reviewed to obtain data on risk factors, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and at what wards candidemia was diagnosed. Univariate logistic regression and multivariable regression analysis were used to obtain odds ratio to determine risk factors for 30‐day all‐cause mortality associated with candidemia. A p‐value <.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf all analysed risk factors, increasing age, renal failure with haemodialysis, immunosuppressant treatment, and severity of the infection (i.e. if septic shock was present) were significantly associated with 30‐day mortality in univariate analysis (p < .05). Removal of a central venous catheter or an infectious diseases consultant was associated with a significantly lower odds ratio for death at 30 days (p < .05). With multivariable analysis, age, time to start of treatment and infectious disease consultant remained significant (p < .05).ConclusionIn conclusion, this study provides an update of the epidemiology and outcomes of candidemia in a Swedish setting, highlighting that patients with candidemia are present at various departments and indicates the importance of an infectious disease consultant when candidemia is present.