Infectious Disease Alert – December 1, 2014

December 1, 2014

• Subglottic Secretion Suctioning Reduces Vent-Associated Pneumonia, Antibiotic Use

  Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious complication for intubated patients. It causes significant morbidity and mortality, increases healthcare costs and is the main reason for antibiotic use in the intensive care unit (ICU).

  Read more

• Statins May Preserve Renal Function in Patients Receiving HAART

  147 patients on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) were randomized to receiving rosuvustatin 10 mg daily or placebo. After 24 weeks rosovustatin both reduced cystatin C and slowed kidney function decline as assessed by a serum creatinine-based equation.

  Read more

• ID Ground Rounds — Stanford University: Male, 46, HIV Patient with Fever and Dyspnea

  A 46-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to progressive dyspnea, non-productive cough and fever. Two months prior to admission, he started to develop sustained weight loss and dyspnea associated with exertion. Ten-days prior to his presentation, dyspnea progressed to minimal exertion significantly limiting his functional status.

  Read more

• Tedizolid — Formulary Considerations

  FDA approved for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) caused by susceptible gram-positive organisms including Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and MSSA), Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus anginosus group, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis.

  Read more

• Infectious Disease (ALERT) Updates

  Asymptomatic carriage of C. difficile in adult hospitalized patients varies regionally, but estimates suggest that 4% to 23% of patients being admitted to hospital in the U.S. may be colonized with toxogenic strains of C. difficile (TCD).

  Read more