Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests for Diagnosing TB
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In a large urban health system, NAA tests of respiratory samples showed at least 95% sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing TB.
Reviewing:
Laraque F et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Jul 1; 49:46
Dorman SE., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Jul 1; 49:55
Chlorhexidine Bathing in the ICU
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Chlorhexidine bathing significantly reduced the acquisition of MRSA and VRE, and the incidence of VRE bacteremia, in ICU patients.
Reviewing:
Climo MW et al., Crit Care Med 2009 Jun; 37:1858
Skin Abscesses: Antibiotics Don’t Help
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Antibiotic therapy is not necessary for children who undergo incision and drainage for skin abscesses.
CME
Reviewing:
Duong M et al., Ann Emerg Med 2009 May 1
AmB plus Fluconazole for Cryptococcal Meningitis?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In a randomized phase II study, treatment success was more likely with amphotericin B plus fluconazole than with amphotericin B alone.
Reviewing:
Pappas PG et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Jun 15; 48:1775
Treating Children’s Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Specifically aiming empirical antibiotic treatment at MRSA may not be beneficial.
Reviewing:
Elliott DJ et al., Pediatrics 2009 Jun; 123:e959
Assessing the Risk for Invasive Candidiasis in the ICU
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
A score based on clinical parameters was helpful in determining the risk.
Reviewing:
León C et al., Crit Care Med 2009 May; 37:1624
Rotavirus Vaccine in a Developing Country
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In Nicaragua, rotavirus vaccine was less effective than in higher-income countries but was still highly protective against very severe diarrhea.
Reviewing:
Patel M et al., JAMA 2009 Jun 3; 301:2243
TB Screening of U.S.-Bound Immigrants and Refugees
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
For those diagnosed overseas with sputum smear–negative or inactive TB, follow-up evaluation after U.S. arrival is critical for detecting cases of active pulmonary TB.
CME
Reviewing:
Liu Y et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Jun 4; 360:2406
Progressive Vaccinia in an Immunocompromised Vaccinee
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Progressive vaccinia developed in a military serviceman who was vaccinated against smallpox and soon thereafter was found to have leukemia.
Reviewing:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2009 May 22; 58:532
PPIs and Pneumonia, Revisited
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Among non–critically ill inpatients, PPI therapy was associated with a 30% increase in risk for hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Reviewing:
Herzig SJ et al., JAMA 2009 May 27; 301:2120
