Primary cutaneous aspergillosis in a preterm neonate

BMJ Case Rep. 2014 Sep 1:2014:bcr2014204752. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2014-204752.

Abstract

Primary cutaneous aspergillosis (PCA) is a rare fungal infection in premature infants. Extreme prematurity, immature immune system, therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and systemic steroids, as well as hyperglycaemia and a vulnerable and very thin epidermal layer are considered risk factors in this patient population. We present a premature male infant born at 24(+3) weeks of gestation with PCA, successfully treated with amphotericin and surgical curettage of the ulcerating skin lesions. Complete resolution of the lesions was achieved and scarring was barely visible at later follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aspergillosis / diagnosis*
  • Aspergillosis / microbiology
  • Aspergillosis / therapy
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / isolation & purification*
  • Biopsy
  • Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Dermatomycoses / diagnosis*
  • Dermatomycoses / microbiology
  • Dermatomycoses / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / microbiology
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / therapy
  • Male
  • Skin / microbiology*
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • liposomal amphotericin B
  • Amphotericin B