Effects of Fluconazole Administration in Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

Comparison of critically ill patient populations with and without fluconazole treatment found increased mortality and longer hospital and ICU lengths of stay in the fluconazole-treated group. This group also had higher bacterial pathogen resistance to antibiotics after fluconazole administration compared with bacterial resistance of patients without fluconazole treatment. Our results warrant concern regarding worsening bacterial infections, increased mortality, and an increase in Candida resistance to fluconazole from increased use in ICU patients, with a shift in yeast infection that is more difficult to treat.