Infectious Disease Alert – July 1, 2005
July 1, 2005
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Tipranavir for HIV Infection
We are now over 10 years into the era of haart (highly active antiretroviral therapy). The use of potent HIV protease inhibitors (or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors), generally used in combination with a background of 2 nucleoside/nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors, almost overnight changed the natural history of HIV disease. -
A Shingles Vaccine
Oxman and colleagues randomized 38,546 subjects greater than 60 years of age (median age, 69 years) to receive either 0.5 mL of attenuated Oka/Merck VZV vaccine or placebo, after which they were followed for a mean duration of 3.13 years, during which they were contacted monthly. -
Review of Oral Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B: Entecavir, Adefovir Dipivoxil, and Lamivudine
Treatment of chronic Hepatitis B is directed at suppressing viral replication, reducing hepatitis (necroinflammatory) activity, slowing progression of fibrotic disease, and rendering patients noninfectious. -
Subglottic Secretion Drainage for Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of subglottic secretion drainage in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Dezfulian and colleagues performed a comprehensive analysis of randomized trials that have compared subglottic secretion drainage with a standard endotracheal tube care in mechanically ventilated patients. -
Updates By Carol A. Kemper
Varying levels of the antibiotic tetracycline found in Nubian bones from around the 4th century prompted a lengthy search for the source. Researchers at Emory University in Atlanta discovered that the answer may lie in ancient Nubian beer. -
Pharmacology Watch: Rifamixin for the Prevention of Traveler’s Diarrhea?
Erectile Dysfunction and Visual Disturbance; Mixed News on Statins; FDA Actions -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement