Survival of Candida sepsis in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Objective: To report the survival of fungal sepsis in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Design: Single case report. Setting: Tertiary referral children's hospital pediatric intensive care unit. Patients: A single case report of an infant with congenital heart disease who developed candida sepsis while supported postoperatively with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Results: This infant survived a prolonged episode of candidemia after repair of congenital heart disease, which required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. The patient has no identified sequelae at 6-month follow-up and continues on long-term fluconazole therapy for Candida endocarditis. Conclusions: Candidemia, particularly Candida albicans species, may not be a contraindication for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. With antifungal therapy and adequate inotropic use to counter the effects of septicemia, survival can be maintained until the patient adequately recovers, allowing decannulation, removal of all catheters, and eventual bloodstream sterility.