Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections of the Cheek
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Researchers describe a series of seven children with such infections. Recovery took many months, and clarithromycin did not seem to hasten resolution.
Reviewing:
Haimi-Cohen Y et al., J Pediatr 2009 Nov; 155:746
Hepatitis E Outbreak Among Cruise Ship Passengers
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Overall, 4% of passengers returning from a 3-month world cruise tested positive for recent HEV infection; one third of these individuals had symptomatic hepatitis.
Reviewing:
Said B et al., Emerg Infect Dis 2009 Nov; 15:1738
Acetaminophen After Vaccination Reduces Antibody Response
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Prophylactic doses of acetaminophen given after vaccination reduce fever but blunt antibody response to multiple antigens.
Reviewing:
Prymula R et al., Lancet 2009 Oct 17; 374:1339
Chen RT et al., Lancet 2009 Oct 17; 374:1305
Peramivir for Treatment of 2009 H1N1 Influenza
DRUG WATCH
Responding to a CDC request, the FDA authorized the emergency use of this investigational agent in critically ill patients.
Reviewing:
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)., 2009 Oct 24
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., 2009 Oct 23
Birnkrant D and Cox E., N Engl J Med 2009 Nov 2
Zanamivir (Relenza) Must Not Be Given by Nebulization
DRUG WATCH
Ventilator obstruction was blamed for the death of a woman who received zanamivir inhalation powder that was solubilized and administered by mechanical ventilation.
Reviewing:
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)., 2009 Oct 9
Genetic Susceptibility to Fungal Infections
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
October 28, 2009
Thomas Glück, MD
Immunologic and genetic studies in patients with chronic Candida infections revealed the critical roles played by the β-glucan receptor dectin-1 pathway and interleukin-17 release.
Reviewing:
Ferwerda B et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Oct 29; 361:1760
Glocker E-O et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Oct 29; 361:1727
Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Infections: The Surge Continues
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
The incidence of infection is increasing faster than the rate of implantation.
Reviewing:
Voigt A et al., Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2009 Sep 30
HLA-DR Recovery and Risk for Secondary Infections in Sepsis
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
October 28, 2009
Thomas Glück, MD
Slow recovery of depressed HLA-DR was associated with increased risk for secondary infections.
Reviewing:
Lukaszewicz A-C et al., Crit Care Med 2009 Oct; 37:2746
Mycobacterial Infections After Mesotherapy
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
October 21, 2009
Neil M. Ampel, MD
Rapidly growing mycobacteria were isolated in 12 of 16 patients who developed cutaneous abscesses after mesotherapy injections; antibiotics did not hasten improvement.
Reviewing:
Regnier S et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Nov 1; 49:1358
High Perioperative Oxygen Fraction and SSIs, Revisited
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In a large, randomized, clinical trial, administration of 80% oxygen had no effect on surgical-site infections or pulmonary complications.
Reviewing:
Meyhoff CS et al., JAMA 2009 Oct 14; 302:1543