Hyperpigmentation as a cutaneous manifestation of fungal sepsis in neonates: Case series report

Article type: Case Report

Authors: Prabhakar, P. | Batra, P.^{; *} | Verma, C. | Harit, D.

Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Dr. Prerna Batra, Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi-110095, India. Tel.: +99 58672759; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: With improved and prolonged survival of very and extremely low birth weight infants, invasive fungal infection has emerged as an important concern in the neonatal intensive care units. Candidiasis is the third leading cause of late onset sepsis in these neonates and is associated with 20–30% mortality. Extreme prematurity, central venous catheters, prolonged antibiotic exposure, parenteral nutrition are important risk factors. Various forms of cutaneous manifestations of candidiasis have been described ranging from local diaper dermatitis and oral thrush to widespread erosive and ulcerative lesions with extensive crusting in invasive fungal dermatitis. We report a series of four cases with cutaneous hyperpigmentation as manifestation of systemic candidiasis.

Keywords: Cutaneous hyperpigmentation, fungemia, neonates, candidiasis

DOI: 10.3233/NPM-180196

Journal: Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 143-148, 2020