Systemic Review of Published Literature on Candida Infection Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Candida species (Candida spp.) infection following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a rare but potentially devastating complication. The purpose of this study was to provide an evidence-based summarization of the treatment and outcome of Candida spp. infection after THA. We conducted a systemic review of the literature and pooled analysis of Candida spp. infection after THA published between 1950 and 2014. A total of 20 articles with 37 patients were identified. Median time between THA and readmission for Candida spp. infection was 25 months (range 0.5-184 months). Thirty-two patients (87 %) underwent removal of the prosthesis for initial surgical treatment. All patients were treated with systemic antifungal medication therapy for various durations after the surgical procedure or primary therapy without surgical procedures except for one patient who was treated with only amphotericin B joint cavity irrigation after removal of the prosthesis. Relapse of the infection occurred in three patients who had retention of the original prosthesis. There were three deaths related to the Candida spp. infection following THA owing to uncontrolled Candida spp. infection and deteriorating candidemia sepsis. Of note, among 15 patients who underwent two-stage exchange arthroplasty, there was one patient (7 %) who developed complication (death) while other 14 patients had uncomplicated recovery. In conclusion, surgical debridement with removal of the original prosthesis or two-stage exchange arthroplasty with combination of adequate systemic antifungal therapy is highly recommended in the treatment of Candida spp. infection following THA.