Infectious Disease Alert – August 1, 2012
August 1, 2012
View Issues
-
Cefepime: FDA Drug Safety Communication on Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus Risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued an alert on the potential risk of non-convulsive status epilepticus associated with the use of cefepime, a broad spectrum fourth generation cephalosporin. -
Early Surgery for Infective Endocarditis Decreases Risk of Embolization, Mortality
Infective endocarditis (IE) continues to be a serious illness with high morbidity and mortality despite modern therapies. -
Antiretroviral Regimens to Prevent Intrapartum HIV Infection
A total of 1745 infants from 17 sites in Brazil (70.1%), South Africa (27.4%), Argentina (1.6%) and the United States (0.8%) born to women with a peripartum diagnosis of HIV type I infection were randomized within 48 hours of birth to receive one of three six-week postpartum antiretroviral regimens. -
In-Home HIV Test Empowers Patients
On 15 May the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research/Office of Blood Research and Review (CBER/OBRR) granted market clearance to the OraQuick in-home HIV-1/2 antibody test based on the recommendation of the Blood Products Advisory Committee. -
Travel Infections: In FoodNet data Campylobacter tops the list
FoodNet is an active surveillance program that collects data on 9 laboratory-confirmed pathogens from 10 sites in the United States: 7 states (Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, and Tennessee) and certain counties in California, Colorado, and New York. -
Updates by Carol A. Kemper, MD, FACP
This ProMED-mail alert describes the case of a young Rhode Island resident who traveled to Cambodia and Viet Nam, where she was hospitalized with spinal cord compression in December 2011. -
Pharmacology Watch: FDA Approves First New Anti-Obesity Drug in Years
In this issue: Lorcaserin for weight loss; statins and fatigue; treatment-resistant gonorrhea; hydrocodone classification changes; USPSTF recommendations; and FDA actions. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement