<i>Candida</i> fracture-related infection: a systematic review

Background: The aim of this study is to summarize and improve knowledge regarding a Candida fracture-related infection (CFRI) through a systematic review on the topic, accompanied by a case report. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on PRISMA statement were conducted on the CFRI topic. The following combined search terms were used to explore PubMed, Cochrane, and the Embase database: “fungal infection”, “candida”, “fracture related infection”, “bone infection”, “orthopedic infection”, “internal fixation”, “post-traumatic infection”, and “osteomyelitis”. Results: Out of 1514 records, only 5 case reports matched the selection criteria and were included. Moreover, a new case of CFRI, not previously described, was reported in this paper and reviewed. The main risk factors for CFRI were open wounds (three cases) and immunodeficiency (three cases). Initial improvement of clinical and laboratory signs of infection was noted in all cases. In the available short-term follow-up (mean 12.1 months; range 3–42), the reoperation rate was 33.3 %. Using a strategy based on extensive debridement/resection methods and prolonged systemic antifungal therapy (mean 8.8 weeks; range 6–18), four of six cases (66.6 %) were cured. Bone union occurred in three out of six cases. Conclusion: There is very low-quality evidence available regarding CFRI. Candida infections in surgically treated fractures are rare but difficult-to-treat events, with a slow onset, unspecific symptoms or signs, and a significant relapse risk; therefore, they still represent a current diagnostic challenge. The existing fracture-related infection treatment algorithm combined with long-term systemic antifungal therapy has an anecdotal value and needs more extensive studies to be validated.

Three-stage revision arthroplasty for the treatment of fungal periprosthetic joint infection: outcome analysis of a novel treatment algorithm

Aims Fungal periprosthetic joint infections (fPJIs) are rare complications, constituting only 1% of all PJIs. Neither a uniform definition for fPJI has been established, nor a standardized treatment regimen. Compared to bacterial PJI, there is little evidence for fPJI in the literature with divergent results. Hence, we implemented a novel treatment algorithm based on three-stage revision arthroplasty, with local and systemic antifungal therapy to optimize treatment for fPJI. Methods From 2015 to 2018, a total of 18 patients with fPJI were included in a prospective, single-centre study (DKRS-ID 00020409). The diagnosis of PJI is based on the European Bone and Joint Infection Society definition of periprosthetic joint infections. The baseline parameters (age, sex, and BMI) and additional data (previous surgeries, pathogen spectrum, and Charlson Comorbidity Index) were recorded. A therapy protocol with three-stage revision, including a scheduled spacer exchange, was implemented. Systemic antifungal medication was administered throughout the entire treatment period and continued for six months after reimplantation. A minimum follow-up of 24 months was defined. Results Eradication of infection was achieved in 16 out of 18 patients (88.8%), with a mean follow-up of 35 months (25 to 54). Mixed bacterial and fungal infections were present in seven cases (39%). The interval period, defined as the period of time from explantation to reimplantation, was 119 days (55 to 202). In five patients, a salvage procedure was performed (three cementless modular knee arthrodesis, and two Girdlestone procedures). Conclusion Therapy for fPJI is complex, with low cure rates according to the literature. No uniform treatment recommendations presently exist for fPJI. Three-stage revision arthroplasty with prolonged systemic antifungal therapy showed promising results. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):671–678.

Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis in a COVID-19 Patient from Nepal: A Case Report

With the surge of cases during the second wave of COVID-19 in Nepal, a number of mucormycosis coinfection cases have also come to our attention. We present a case of a 65-year-old female who was admitted to our emergency department with complaints of pain, swelling, and tingling sensation of the left side of the face along with blood-tinged nasal discharge for 20 days. She had been tested positive for COVID-19 a month back and managed with oxygen support and corticosteroids. Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed invasive fungal sinusitis, with the positive black turbinate sign and mild extension along with the dura mater of the left temporal lobe, and left cavernous sinus. She was diagnosed with rhinocerebral mucormycosis and managed with systemic antifungal therapy and insulin. As per the treatment modality, surgical debridement could not be done because the patient did not give consent.

Factors associated with the development of ocular candidiasis and ocular prognosis with echinocandin therapy for candidemia

Purpose To evaluate the factors associated with the development of ocular candidiasis (OC) and ocular prognosis with echinocandin therapy for candidemia. Methods The medical records of 56 consecutive patients with a positive blood culture for Candida species between November 2016 and October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Information on patient characteristics, isolated Candida species, treatment details for candidemia, and ocular findings were extracted to identify factors associated with OC development. Results The leading pathogen of candidemia was Candida albicans (C.albicans) (41.1%). Of 56 patients, 18 (32.1%) were diagnosed with chorioretinitis, categorized as either probable (8 patients) or possible OC (10 patients). There was no case of endophthalmitis with vitritis. The incidence of probable OC was not significantly different between the groups treated with echinocandins and other antifungal drugs (15.2% vs. 11.1%, p = 1.00). In all probable OC cases, systemic antifungal therapy was switched from echinocandins to azoles, and no case progressed to endophthalmitis. A multivariate logistic analysis revealed that female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–72.9) and C. albicans (aOR, 23.6; 95% CI, 1.8–281) were independent factors associated with the development of probable OC. Conclusion One-seventh of patients with candidemia developed probable OC. Given the evidence of female and C. albicans as the factors associated with OC development, careful ophthalmologic management is required with these factors, especially in candidemia. Although echinocandins had no correlation with OC development and did not lead to the deterioration of ocular prognosis, further investigation is required.

Multiple Intravitreal Liposomal Amphotericin B for a Case of Candida glabrata Endophthalmitis

We report a case of <i>Candida glabrata</i> endophthalmitis which was effectively treated by intravitreal liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) injection. A 72-year-old man was referred to our department for positive blood culture of <i>Candida glabrata</i>. First ophthalmologic examination revealed a chorioretinal lesion in left eye, and the patient was diagnosed as possible candida chorioretinitis. Despite systemic antifungal therapy, his chorioretinal lesion increased in both eyes and complicated by vitritis. Intravitreal administration of L-AMB was introduced for probable candida endophthalmitis. Finally, improvement of vitritis and regression of chorioretinal lesions were obtained by total of 9 times intravitreal injection. Our case suggests the safety and efficacy of intravitreal L-AMB injection for <i>Candida glabrata</i> endophthalmitis.

Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis: risk factors, clinical course, and visual outcome in 13 patients

AIM: To analyze the risk factors, ophthalmological features, treatment modalities and their effect on the visual outcome in patients with endogenous fungal endophthalmitis (EFE). METHODS: Data retrieved from the medical files included age at presentation to the uveitis clinic, gender, ocular symptoms and their duration before presentation, history of fever, eye affected, anatomical diagnosis and laboratory evidence of fungal infection. Medical therapy recorded included systemic antifungal therapy and its duration, use of intravitreal antifungal agents and use of oral/intravitreal steroids. Surgical procedures and the data of ophthalmologic examination at presentation and at last follow-up were also collected. RESULTS: Included were 13 patients (20 eyes, mean age 58y). Ten patients presented after gastrointestinal or urological interventions and two presented after organ transplantation. In one patient, there was no history of previous intervention. Diagnostic vitrectomy was performed in 16 eyes (80%) and vitreous cultures were positive in 10 of the vitrectomized eyes (62.5%). In only 4 patients (31%), blood cultures were positive. All patients received systemic antifungal therapy. Sixteen eyes (80%) received intravitreal antifungal agent with voriconazole being the most commonly used. Visual acuity (VA) improved from 0.9±0.9 at initial exam to 0.5±0.8 logMAR at last follow-up (P=0.03). A trend of greater visual improvement was noted in favor of eyes treated with oral steroids (±intravitreal dexamethasone) than eyes that were not treated with steroids. The most common complication was maculopathy. Twelve eyes (60%) showed no ocular complications. CONCLUSION: High index of suspicion in patients with inciting risk factors is essential because of the low yield of blood cultures and the good general condition of patients at presentation. Visual prognosis is improved with the prompt institution of systemic and intravitreal pharmacotherapy and the immediate surgical intervention. Oral±local steroids could be considered in cases of prolonged or marked inflammatory responses in order to hasten control of inflammation and limit ocular complications.

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitides are a group of disorders with three subtypes (acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis and granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitis), requiring urgent diagnosis and early treatment due to the reserved vital and functional prognosis. This disorder occurs in immunocompromised patients, but it can also occur in immunocompetent people. Aspergillus and Mucormicosis species are the most common microorganisms found in invasive fungal rhinosinusites. The otorhinolaryngologic clinical examination and imaging techniques provide important diagnostic information in patients with risk factors for invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, including intracranial or orbital extension identification. The treatment of invasive fungal rhinosinusites (acute or chronic) consists of reversing immunosuppression, appropriate systemic antifungal therapy and aggressive and prompt surgical debridement of the affected tissues.