Fluconazole treatment of fungal UTIs in pediatric patients

Fungal urinary tract infections (UTIs) are relatively uncommon but increasing in incidence. Despite the variety of agents available to treat these infections, they remain a therapeutic challenge to clinicians. Amphotericin B has traditionally been the drug of choice for systemic fungal infections, but its use is limited by frequent and severe adverse effects such as fever, chills, nausea, and phlebitis. Three pediatric patients with Candida infections were treated successfully with fluconazole (3 to 5mg/ kg per day). Although it is not currently indicated for children, fluconazole appears to be a safe and effective treatment for UTIs caused by Candida organisms in these patients.