Treatment of catheter-associated Candiduria with fluconazole irrigation

Abstract

Objective: To examine the safety and efficacy of fluconazole in patients with a permanent nephrostomy or suprapubic catheter in the prevention of candiduria.

Patients and methods: Twenty patients with a nephrostomy or suprapubic catheter who had at least two positive urine cultures with a minimum of 15,000 col/mL Candida counts were studied. The catheters were irrigated with fluconazole solution prepared as 1 mg/mL with normal saline. Repeated urine cultures were obtained.

Results: In 17 patients Candida was eradicated from the urine by the third to sixth day of irrigation. No side-effects were noted.

Conclusion: Fluconazole as an irrigant is effective and safe in the treatment of catheter-associated candiduria, which can be eliminated without changing the catheter.