Differences between intraabdominal candidiasis in regular wards versus intensive care unit

Results 481 patients with intraabdominal candidiasis were recorded. 132 patients (27%) were at the ICU at time of diagnosis and 349 (73%) at regular wards (252 in surgical wards). There were no statistical differences in age, sex or comorbidities except for heart disease (28% ICU vs 15% ward, p= 0,002) and use of dyalisis (11%ICU vs 4% ward p= 0,005). APACHE II score was higher in ICU group (mean:18 IQR 25%-75%:14-24) vs wards (mean: 13 IQR 25%-75%:8-18) p= < 0,001. Time from hospitalization to diagnosis was longer in ICU group (mean: 13 days IQR 25-75%: 6-30 days) compared to regular ward (mean: 11 days IQR 25-75%: 2-20 days), p = 0,006. Secondary peritonitis was the most common source of infection (39% vs 40% respectively) followed by abdominal abscess, biliary tact infection, pancreatitis and tertiary peritonitis without differences between groups. Candida albicans was the most frequent isolated strain in both groups (64% ICU vs 65%ward) follow by C glabrata, C tropicalis, C parapsilosis and C krusei with no statistical differences. Candida colonization, candidemia and septic shock were more present in the ICU population (40%,23%, and 70% respectively). Echinocandin was initiated in 43,7%, follow by azole in 21% and amphotericin B only 2,7%. Adequate antifungal treatment was more frequent in ICU population (70% versus 56%, p 0,006), adequate source control was similar in both groups (58% and 62% p 0,34) however 30 day mortality was higher in ICU patients ( 39% versus 22% p= < 0,001).