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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim guidelines for use of antiviral medications during the 2004-2005 influenza season. The guidelines are summarized as follows.
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While influenza antiviral medications comprise an important second line of defense during a troubled flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reluctant to promote the drugs as a solution to the vaccine shortage.
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Infection control professionals are rolling out their severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) plans and steeling themselves for overwhelmed emergency departments (ED) after the nations leading ED clinicians warned that a perfect storm may be forming this influenza season.
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Measures that increase adiponectin levels might be valuable targets for decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis present in patients with diabetes.
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Eradication of H. pylori in a large outpatient general practice setting seemed to protect against the subsequent onset of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and there was evidence that eradication of H. pylori neither improved nor worsened pre-existing GERD symptoms.
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The British government will soon allow over-the-counter (OTC) sales of Mercks simvastatin (Zocor), marking the first time any country has allowed the OTC sale of a statin.
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Prevention of Disabling and Fatal Strokes by Successful Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients without Recent Neurological Symptoms; Cox-2 Inhibitors vs Nonselective NSAIDs and CHF Outcomes in Elderly Patients; Interventions for the Prevention of Falls in Older Adults
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The first nonabsorbable, gastrointestinal-selective antibiotic has been approved for the treatment of travelers diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli.
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In a prospective, randomized trial, primary excision of colorectal carcinomas by laparoscopic surgery was compared with laparotomy. Disease recurrence and 5-year survival were not significantly different in the 2 groups. Operative time was greater for those receiving laparoscopic approach but post-operative recovery and hospital stays were shorter.
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Infection rates in low-risk human bites are exceedingly low. Antibiotic treatment may not be necessary for these patients.
