Published online Jun 26, 2019. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i12.1430
Peer-review started: January 23, 2019
First decision: March 10, 2019
Revised: March 16, 2019
Accepted: April 19, 2019
Article in press: April 19,2019
Published online: June 26, 2019
Processing time: 155 Days and 10.7 Hours
Non-albicans Candida prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare. Optimal treatment involves a two-stage revision surgery in combination with an antifungal agent. However, no clear guidelines have been developed regarding the agent or treatment duration. Hence, a broad range of antifungal and surgical treatments have been reported so far.
To clarify treatment of non-albicans Candida PJIs.
A literature review of all existing non-albicans Candida PJIs cases through April 2018 was conducted. Information was extracted about demographics, comorbidities, responsible species, duration and type of antifungal treatment, type of surgical treatment, time between initial arthroplasty and symptom onset, time between symptom onset and definite diagnosis, outcome of the infection and follow-up.
A total of 83 cases, with a mean age of 66.3 years, were located. The causative yeast isolated in most cases was C. parapsilosis (45 cases; 54.2%), followed by C. glabrata (18 cases; 21.7%). The mean Charlson comorbidity index was 4.4 ± 1.5. The mean time from arthropalsty to symptom onset was 27.2 ± 43 mo, while the mean time from symptom onset to culture-confirmed diagnosis was 7.5 ± 12.5 mo. A two stage revision arthroplasty (TSRA), when compared to one stage revision arthroplasty, had a higher success rate (96% vs 73%, P = 0.023). Fluconazole was the preferred antifungal agent (59; 71%), followed by amphotericin B (41; 49.4%).
The combination of TSRA and administration of prolonged antifungal therapy after initial resection arthroplasty is suggested on the basis of limited data.
Core tip: Non-albicans Candida prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare, and no clear guidelines exist regarding the treatment of these infections. The purpose of this study was to clarify, by reviewing current published cases, the treatment options of non-albicans Candida PJIs and, possibly, to improve the medical and surgical care of such cases. A literature review of all existing non-albicans Candida PJIs cases through April 2018 was conducted. The combination of two stage revision arthroplasty and administration of prolonged antifungal therapy after initial resection arthroplasty is suggested on the basis of limited data.