A retrospective validation of different scores of guideline adherence and infectious diseases consultation on candidaemia: The higher, the better

Background Recently, several scores to quantify compliance with the guidelines in candidaemia management (EQUAL, GEMICOMED, Valerio) have been developed. Evidence supporting the association of these scores to the prognosis is scarce. We aim to evaluate the performance of these candidaemia guideline adherence scores to predict candidaemia outcome. Methods We recorded retrospectively data from candidaemia episodes (January 2017‐December 2018). We analysed adherence to guidelines for candidaemia management according to EQUAL, GEMICOMED and Valerio scores, and we correlated those to outcome. Results Fifty‐four first episodes of candidaemia were retrieved. Five patients who died in the first 48 hours after blood cultures were not included. Thirty‐day mortality in evaluable patients was 18.4%. Median adherence to guidelines according to EQUAL score was 17 (interquartile range [IQR]: 15‐19), and according to GEMICOMED was 86% (IQR: 72.5%‐100%). According to Valerio score, adequacy of antifungal prescription was 8.5/10 (SD: 1.9). A cut‐off of ≥17 for EQUAL or compliance >70% for GEMICOMED was associated with inferior 30‐day mortality (7.1% vs 33.3%, P = .028 and 7.9% vs 54.5%, P = .002, respectively). Infectious diseases (ID) evaluated cases obtained a better EQUAL score (>17; 82.1% vs 42.9%, P = .006), had inferior 30‐day mortality (9.4% vs 35.3%, P = .049) and a better antifungal prescription adequacy (Valerio score 9.0 vs 7.5, P = .011). Conclusion Adherence to guidelines for candidaemia management evaluated by means of EQUAL and GEMICOMED score was associated with a decreased 30‐day mortality. Adequacy of antifungal prescription can be ameliorated. ID consultation improved guideline adherence and was associated with decreased 30‐day mortality.