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The FDA has approved cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion for the treatment of dry eyes due to keratoconjuctivitis sicca (KCS) and associated reduced tear production. Cyclosporine is an immunomodulating agent that increases tear production in patients with KCS.
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Pravastatin given for 3 years reduced the risk of coronary disease in elderly individuals. The PROSPER study therefore extends to elderly individuals the treatment strategy currently used in middle aged people.
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A patient with group A streptococcal respiratory and soft tissue infection was the source of an outbreak involving 24 health care workers.
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West Nile virus is emerging as a new threat to laboratory workers as its presence grows in the United States. Infection control precautions should be reemphasized in light of two occupational cases of West Nile virus infection in research laboratorians, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes.
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The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has sent out a sentinel alert to all accredited facilities calling for them to report fatal nosocomial infections. The request for data has raised concerns among infection control professionals, who argue that ascribing deaths to infections is a complex matter confounded by underlying illness and a host of other variables.
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Effective Jan. 1, 2003, all Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organization organizations will be surveyed for implementation of the recommendations or of an acceptable alternative. Alternatives must be at least as effective as the published recommendations in achieving the goals.
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The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is partnering with three other organizations to conduct a study that will examine hospitals timely use of antibiotics before and after cardiovascular, joint replacement, and hysterectomy surgeries to effectively reduce post-surgical infection.
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Though recent research supports the need for more infection control staffing than traditionally allotted, ICPs are not expected to press for a specific staffing requirement from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
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In an unusual direct appeal to health care facilities, the chairman of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is asking for reports of nosocomial infections that result in patient deaths or permanent loss of function.
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Continuing to face withering criticism from diverse corners, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has now drawn the ire of a powerful member of Congress.