The role of percutaneous nephrostomy in the management of obstructing candidiasis of the urinary tract in infants

Abstract

We report on 5 neonates with obstructive urinary tract candidiasis in whom percutaneous nephrostomy had a major role in management. The advantages of percutaneous nephrostomy in this setting include prompt drainage of the obstructed renal pelvis or ureter, direct access to obtain specimens from the renal pelvis to confirm the diagnosis, direct irrigation of the fungus balls with amphotericin B and an access route for fragmentation of fungus balls by guide wire manipulation. In 3 cases percutaneous placement of the nephrostomy tube was successful in obtaining and maintaining access to the renal pelvis, while in 2 surgical intervention was required because of problems maintaining placement of the percutaneous catheters. Percutaneous nephrostomy with antegrade amphotericin B irrigation, coupled with systemic antifungal therapy, is the mainstay of treatment. The usefulness of ultrasonography in the early diagnosis of renal candidiasis also is emphasized.