|
|
Infectious Diseases
|
|
|
Vancomycin, properly dosed, appears as safe on kidneys as linezolid
LAS VEGAS – Vancomycin is as safe on the kidneys of critically ill patients as linezolid, so long as trough levels don’t exceed the recommended upper limit of 20 mcg/mL, according to researchers from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. "When correct dosing is performed, the use of... »
Nosocomial infection in cirrhotic patients boosts acute kidney injury risk
ORLANDO – Nosocomial infections in cirrhotic patients are associated with acute kidney injury and prolonged hospital stay, and thus adversely affect outcomes, findings from a Swedish population-based study suggest.
Of 344 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis between 2000 and 2010, 122 experienced a... » The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization are continuing to monitor the spread of the newly named Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) caused by the MERS-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). As of June 5, 2013, there were 55 confirmed cases worldwide (mostly in the... » A combination of influenza A, rhinovirus, and bacterial pneumonia was identified as the cause of a cluster of serious respiratory illnesses in southeastern Alabama by state public health officials.
It was "good news," State Health Officer Dr. Donald E. Williamson said, that testing ruled... » NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. -- A hospital-wide rapid response protocol decreased the time to antibiotic administration and improved sepsis bundle compliance by creating a team approach to sepsis management.
Creating "Code Sepsis" involved every member of the clinical care team, from nursing... »
Novel MERS coronavirus continues spread
Familiar respiratory culprits fueled Alabama illnesses
Rapid sepsis response boosts patient outcomes
'Nightmare' CRE infections on the rise, CDC saysBetween 2001 and 2011, the percentage of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections reported by acute-care hospitals in the United States increased nearly fourfold, from 1.2% to 4.2%. More recent data from the first... »
New influenza vaccines provide more options for next season
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices unanimously voted in favor of adding various recently licensed influenza vaccines to the list of acceptable vaccines for the... »
New respiratory coronavirus shows concerning SARS echoesThe short-lived, worldwide epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome that began its streak across the globe 10 years ago, starting in February 2003, has been echoed over the past 8 months by what is so far a much more... »
Measles is a threat that we need to take seriously, both domestically and when traveling anywhere abroad. During 2011, the United States had more cases of measles than we have had in 15 years. There were 222 cases and 17... »
Vaccine Refusal
"The next patient is a 5-year-old who is unable to walk," reports the overnight resident at the morning sign-out. "He had a day of fever 4 days ago, leg pain beginning 2 days ago, and yesterday he awoke with... »
When infectious diseases have bad outcomesDENVER – Pay attention to abnormal vital signs. Pay attention to abnormal lab results. And follow up on blood cultures. These are among the tips that Dr. Gregory P. Moore, J.D., and Dr. Fredrick M. Abrahamian shared with... »
ACP: Doctors, staff need to get immunized The American College of Physicians is calling on all health care providers to be immunized against influenza and several other communicable diseases. With severe flu activity widespread in most of the country, officials at... »
Copper Surfaces in ICU Rooms Slash Hospital-Acquired Infections
BOSTON – Although copper is not officially considered a precious metal, its antimicrobial properties suggest it may be priceless in the fight against the growing threat of hospital-acquired infections, according to new data... »