FREQUENCY OF ESOPHAGEAL CANDIDIASIS IN NON HIV DYSPHAGIC PATIENTS ON UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52206/jsmc.2016.6.1.758-761Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is growing incidence of Candida esophagitis due to the increasing numbers of
immune compromised patients, intensive chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, high dose oral
and inhaled corticosteroids, potent antibiotic therapy, alcoholism and chronic illness such as diabetes
mellitus and liver cirrhosis all have contributed to this increase. The diagnosis is made based on physical
examination. Grams stain of the smear (hyphae) may further add in the diagnosis. Endoscopic diagnosis
is based on characteristic lesions. This study was carried out to assess the status of esophageal
candidiasis in non HIV infected patients attending a teaching hospital.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of esophageal candidiasis in non HIV patients presenting
with dysphagia and to assess the underlying risk factors.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is a retrospective observational study, carried out at Lady Reading
Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from September 2008 to November 2010. All the patients presenting with
dysphagia underwent upper GI endoscopic examination during 2008 to 2010. The cases thoroughly
reviewed regarding their history examination and findings of the endoscopy. Patients with HIV / AIDS
were excluded. Results were compiled and statistically analyzed.
RESULTS: A total of 200 cases were included. Male to female ratio was 2.1 : 1 . Mean age was 52.9 ±
14.6. The main indications were dysphagia/odynophagia. Esophageal candidiasis was found in 28
patients, out of which, 20 were male and 08 were female. The underlying risk factors were also assessed.
The major risk factors were steroid therapy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, carcinoma esophagus and
stomach, broad spectrum antibiotic and chronic liver diseases.
CONCLUSION: Dysphagia is a significant presenting feature of Candida esophagitis Anti-fungal
treatment for 2 to 3 weeks is recommended on empirical basis in high risk patients for esophageal
candidiasis. If no improvement, then upper GI endoscopy is recommended.
KEY WORDS: Esophageal candidiasis, Non-HIV, dysphagia.
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