Preemptive antimycotic treatment in critically ill patients in the Czech Republic
Havlicek, K.; Cervinka, V.; Sakra, L.; Motycka, V.; Mencl, K.
International Surgery 93(4): 244-246
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-8868 PMID: 19731862 Document Number: 619823
The incidence of Candida afflictions in critically ill patients is still growing in the Czech Republic. We looked for a method that not only decreases Candida afflictions but also decreases treatment expenses. This method is preemptive therapy. Critically ill patients were determined by a risk score system. This system was based on summarizing all the risk factors in one patient. Patients who reach the risk score were randomized into groups A and B. Patients in group A were administered itraconazole; patients in group B were not administered any antimycotics. Results of the study show that preemptive treatment decreases Candida infection and Candidemia. A decrease of treatment expenses was reached by identifying the specific group of patients at risk using the risk score system and administering antimycotics.