Objectives. To retrospectively delineate predictors of adverse outcome by looking at the demographic features, therapy and outcome of systemic candida infection in a large tertiary care university-affiliated medical center.

Methods. We reviewed the clinical data on 186 inpatients with candidemia over a 6-year period. The major reason for their hospital admission was an underlying malignancy or an infection other than candidemia.

Results. Candida albicans, tropicalis, parapsilosis, glabrata and krusei caused 54, 22, 13, 8 and 3% of the candidemia episodes, respectively. The overall mortality was 42% and it was highest in patients suffering from candidemia of the glabrata species (73%). Forty-eight (63%) of the 76 patients who received no anti-fungal treatment died compared to 38 (34%) of 110 patients who were treated (P<0.05). Predictors of adverse outcome were intensive care unit stay, renal failure, thrombocytopenia and the need for mechanical ventilation or inotropic support.

Conclusions. We identified four predictors of mortality from candidemia infection. Their validity should be further assessed and the specific candida strains and their susceptibility need to be methodically identified. Our data support immediate initiation of therapy at first identification of infection.