Infectious Disease
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Planes, Pathogens, and Passengers: Infection Risk During Commercial Air Travel
Although air travel has been linked to transmission of respiratory infections, the actual risk of becoming infected during air travel is low. The risk is greatest, though, when seated within about two seats/rows of a contagious individual. Walking around the cabin increases risk.
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Infectious Meningitis: A Focused Review
The effectiveness of the current vaccine schedule has led to a significant decline in the incidence of bacterial meningitis. Delays in recognition and antibiotic administration result in increased morbidity and mortality; therefore, clinicians must maintain a high degree of vigilance for the subtle findings of meningitis, particularly in infants. Current standards for selective imaging, diagnostic testing, and empiric antibiotics are discussed.
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What Form of AV Block?
The long lead II rhythm strip shown in the figure was obtained from a hemodynamically stable patient. The rhythm was diagnosed as showing second-degree AV block, Mobitz Type II. Do you agree with that assessment?
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Clinical Briefs
In this section: comparing GLP-1 agonists; weighing two treatments for extended venous thromboembolism; and considering fracture risks possibly associated with inhaled corticosteroids.
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Ibalizumab-uiyk Injection (Trogarzo)
Ibalizumab-uiyk, in combination with other antiretrovirals, is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 in heavily treatment-experienced adults with multidrug-resistant HIV infections failing their current regimens.
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After Myocardial Infarction, Increased Risk for Ischemic Stroke Persists for 12 Weeks
This study establishes that the elevated short-term risk of stroke extends beyond 30 days and remains elevated for up to 12 weeks following acute myocardial infarction.
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Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation: A Moving Target?
An investigation of patients in a national database with atrial fibrillation, no comorbidities, and not on aspirin or anticoagulants showed that the clinical features that make up the CHA2DS2-VASc score change over time and can increase a patient’s risk for stroke, which could affect therapy decisions. Thus, the CHA2DS2-VASc score should be reassessed periodically and appropriate therapeutic actions taken promptly.
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Elderly May Not Benefit From Statins for Primary Prevention
In an examination of the data from the much-publicized Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), the author found no benefit of statin therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality.
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Hospitals Besieged by Opioid OD Patients
With U.S. emergency rooms being overrun with opioid patients, the national epidemic is putting pressure on myriad aspects of healthcare delivery. Infection prevention is no exception. -
Wash Your Hands — or People Die
A new study of 26 French nursing homes found that a multifaceted hand hygiene program including staff, residents, and visitors did indeed reduce mortality.