Pulmonary TB — Or Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In a series of 445 mycobacteria-positive pulmonary patients, 32% had TB, and 6% had nontuberculous mycobacterial infections with symptoms suggestive of TB.
Reviewing:
Grubek-Jaworska H et al., Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2009 Jul; 28:739
West Nile Virus Disease in Children
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Children had a lower incidence of West Nile virus disease than adults and a lower rate of CNS involvement than older adults.
CME
Reviewing:
Lindsey NP et al., Pediatrics 2009 Jun; 123:e1084
Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) in Mexico: A Clinical Characterization
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
A case series of 18 hospitalized patients with this viral infection demonstrated morbidity and mortality in previously healthy young to middle-aged individuals.
Reviewing:
Perez-Padilla R et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Jun 29
Cutaneous Non–AIDS-Defining Cancers in HIV-Infected Individuals
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Such cancers are not associated with immune status or receipt of ART.
Reviewing:
Crum-Cianflone N et al., Arch Intern Med 2009 Jun 22; 169:1130
Severe Respiratory Disease in Mexico: Past vs. Present
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
During the spring 2009 outbreak of H1N1 influenza in Mexico, most deaths and cases of severe pneumonia occurred in younger individuals.
Reviewing:
Chowell G et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Jun 29
Dosing of Influenza Vaccine in Older Adults: More Is Better
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Phase III trial data further support the use of high-dose influenza vaccine in older adults.
Reviewing:
Falsey AR et al., J Infect Dis 2009 Jul 15; 200:172
Poland GA and Mulligan MJ., J Infect Dis 2009 Jul 15; 200:161
ART and Neurocognitive Function
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
HIV-infected patients with neurocognitive impairment can show progressive improvement in function for at least 48 weeks after starting ART.
Reviewing:
Cysique LA et al., Neurology 2009 May 27
Get the Toxin Out?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B filtration device decreased mortality in patients with severe sepsis of intra-abdominal origin.
Reviewing:
Cruz DN et al., JAMA 2009 Jun 17; 301:2445
Kellum JA and Uchino S., JAMA 2009 Jun 17; 301:2496
Cefepime Is Not Associated with Increased Mortality
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
FDA analyses showed no significant difference between cefepime and other β-lactam antibiotics in risk for death.
Reviewing:
Rockville, MD: Food and Drug Administration 2009 Jun 17
Severe RSV Infection and Asthma
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Results from a twin study suggest that severe RSV infection does not cause asthma, but rather indicates a genetic predisposition to asthma.
Reviewing:
Thomsen SF et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009 Jun 15; 179:1091
