The fungal DNA examination is useful as a sensitive parameter for the initiation and the quit of antifungal therapy in immunocompromised pediatric patients after surgery.

[megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome]

The purpose of this study is whether the fungal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA ) examination is useful as a sensitive parameter for pediatric surgical patients with mycosis . The eleven episodes of five cases (4 cases ; progressive liver disease after biliary atresia operation , 1 case ; short bowel syndrome and long term total parenteral nutrition with megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome ) with mycosis were divided into two groups according to the difference of therapeutic protocols . The sensitivity of fungal DNA examination , serum Candida antigen level , plasma beta -D glucan level , and blood culture were evaluated at the onset of infection and at the quit of antifungal medication under the protocols respectively . The duration of medication and the medication free interval in two groups were compared . The 6 episodes (3 cases ) were diagnosed and treated under the protocol not including fungal DNA examination , while the 5 episodes (2 cases ) under the protocol including fungal DNA examination . The occurrence rate was not significant . The sensitivity of fungal DNA examination was complete , but others were not . Using the fungal DNA examination , the duration of medication became significantly short . We conclude that the fungal DNA examination could be a sensitive parameter not only to start but to quit antifungal medication in pediatric patients with mycosis .