Necrotizing Candida infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a fatal and rare complication

JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2008 May-Jun;32(3):285-7. doi: 10.1177/0148607108316190.

Abstract

Gastrostomy site infections following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) are the most common complication after PEG placement. Recent meta-analyses were able to show that PEG site infections can be reduced significantly with a systemic antimicrobial prophylaxis. This mostly cephalosporin- or penicillin-based prophylaxis does not cover fungal infections. Although Candida skin infections after PEG placement are rarely described, a mucosal colonization or infection of the upper GI tract with Candida species is very common, especially in severely ill patients such as those requiring artificial nutrition. The authors report a rare and lethal case of a necrotizing PEG site infection with Candida albicans in a patient with diabetes with multiple comorbidities, presenting like gas gangrene. In patients with probable immunodeficiency or visible candidiasis of the skin, oropharynx, or esophagus, a Candida infection should be considered in case of a gastrostomy site infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis
  • Candida albicans / growth & development*
  • Candidiasis / complications
  • Candidiasis / diagnosis*
  • Candidiasis / mortality
  • Endoscopy / adverse effects
  • Equipment Contamination
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Gastrostomy / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal / adverse effects*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / complications
  • Surgical Wound Infection / diagnosis*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / mortality