The use of fluconazole in premature infants prevents the development of fungal infections

According to data published in the December issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, prophylactic administration of fluconazole in the first 6 weeks of life in babies with extremely low body weights prevents colonization fungal and the development of invasive fungal infections.

Scientists at the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, USA) evaluated the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which 100 premature babies weighing less than 1,000 were born. The newborns were divided into 2 groups: the first received a 6-week course of iv fluconazole the second was a placebo.

All children required endotracheal intubation and a permanent venous catheter only for the first 6 weeks of life.

It was found that fungal colonization was significantly lower in the fluconazole group than placebo (p = 0.002). In addition, in children receiving fluconazole, the incidence of invasive fungal infections was significantly lower (p = 0.008).

None of the modes studied has led to the development of strains of microorganisms resistant to fluconazole. During treatment with fluconazole, no adverse events were noted.

Thus, the results of the study indicate that the prophylactic use of fluconazole significantly reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with invasive fungal infections in premature infants.