Candiduria in those over 85 years old: A retrospective study of 73 patients

Abstract

Objective Candiduria is a common finding in the growing population of very old patients that has not been previously studied. The objective was to study candiduria in the population aged 85 and over, including an estimation of the incidence, factor of acquisition, and evaluation of treatment and mortality. Methods retrospective monocentric study. Materials medical charts of patients aged of 85 and over who have candiduria diagnosed at Nimes University Hospital. Results The prevalence of candiduria in the hospitalized very old patients was 8.9%. More than half of strains isolated were C. albicans (59%). Mean age was 89.7 years old with 53 women and 20 men. Urinary catheter (55%) and prior antibiotic use (67%) were commonly found. Fifteen patients with candiduria were treated, consistently with fluconazole. Patients treated had higher Mini Mental Test score than the others. A high C-reactive protein level, Mac Cabe score or Charlson's score >7 were associated with 6 months mortality. Conclusion Episodes of candiduria in oldest old were associated with frailty and vulnerability of the patient. The medical decision for antifungal treatment is usually difficult to make but it did not seem to influence mortality. © 2011 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.