Expert review of anti-infective therapy
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Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by the tick-borne bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. Symptoms range from moderate illness to severe illness, including cardiovascular compromise, coma and death. The disease is prevalent in most of the USA, especially during warmer months. ⋯ Other signature symptoms include headache and abdominal pain. The antibiotic therapy of choice for R. rickettsii infection is doxycycline. Preventive measures for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other tick-borne diseases include: wearing long-sleeved, light colored clothing; checking for tick attachment and removing attached ticks promptly; applying topical insect repellent; and treating clothing with permethrin.
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Nov 2009
ReviewPreventing infections due to intravascular catheters in burn victims.
Venous catheters are associated with severe complications that present high morbidity and mortality rates. The objective of this study was to identify the available scientific evidence regarding nursing interventions for the prevention of infections related to the presence of central or peripheral venous catheters in burn patients. ⋯ There is only limited evidence regarding interventions that may have a positive impact in preventing venous catheter-related infection in burn victims. We recommend the interpretation of the CDC guidelines as a basis to organize protocols to prevent catheter-related infection in burns.
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Nov 2009
CommentStandardized order sets for the treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock.
Evaluation of: Thiel SW, Asghar MF, Micek ST, Reichley RM, Doherty JA, Kollef MH. Hospital-wide impact of standardized order set for the management of bacteremic severe sepsis. Crit. ⋯ Since then, similar studies have shown similar or better results. This study in particular highlights a hospital-wide initiative that further confirms that standardized order sets and operating procedures for severe sepsis and septic shock result in a significant reduction in morbidity, mortality and healthcare resource consumption. With these robust findings, future emphasis should be placed on overcoming logistical, institutional and professional barriers to the implementation of standardized order sets, which can save the life of one out of every five to six patients presenting with severe sepsis and septic shock.