Per-species risk factors and predictors of invasive Candida infections in patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units: development of ERICAP scoring systems.

BACKGROUND: Prediction rules for invasive Candida infection (ICI) are available for adult but not for infants and children managed in pediatric intensive care units (PICU). METHODS: Observational study in 24 PICU with prospective phase (all children admitted during 1 year) and retrospective review of ICI records. Four logistic regression models were performed using ICI by Candida spp., Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis or Candida tropicalis as dependent variables. Scores were constructed. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty five ICI (47 C. albicans, 37 C. parapsilosis, 19 C. tropicalis and 22 others) and 1022 controls were included. Incidence (cases/100 PICU admissions): 4.22 (all Candida), 2.44 (C. albicans), 1.41 (C. parapsilosis), 0.19 (C. tropicalis). ICI was associated [Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) = 0.764, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.719-0.809, P 90% for cut offs of 5 (all Candida), 3 (C. albicans), 3 (C. parapsilosis) and 11 (C. tropicalis). CONCLUSIONS: Once validated, these scores may help for identification of ICI by specific species allowing adequate empiric/prophylactic treatment.