Expert review of anti-infective therapy
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Mar 2015
ReviewImplications and emerging control strategies for ventilator-associated infections.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a major burden to the healthcare system and intubated patients in intensive care units. In fact, VAP is responsible for at least 50% of prescribed antibiotics to patients who need mechanical ventilation. ⋯ These biofilms serve as a protective environment for bacterial colonies and provide enhanced resistance towards many antibiotics. This review presents and discusses an overview of current strategies to inhibit the colonization and formation of biofilm on endotracheal tubes, including antibiotic treatment, surface modification and antimicrobial agent incorporation onto endotracheal tube materials.
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Mar 2015
ReviewSpotlight on measles in Italy: why outbreaks of a vaccine-preventable infection continue in the 21st century.
Measles is a serious infectious disease that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Remarkable progress has been made through measles vaccination in reducing the number of people dying from measles. In the last years, concerns about the safety of vaccines have led to decline in immunization coverage rates and new outbreaks of measles in many European countries, including Italy. We believe that it is important to reinforce the message that measles vaccine is safe and highly effective through appropriate information campaigns and public awareness.
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Community-acquired pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of death in the USA. Adherence to the 2007 Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society community-acquired pneumonia guidelines has been associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, choice between guideline-recommended treatments is at the discretion of the prescribing clinician. ⋯ An increasing portion of patients are receiving expanded empiric coverage for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as recommended by the American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America for healthcare-associated pneumonia. However, this expanded coverage may not be achieving the desired improvements in clinical outcomes. We expect this increasingly diverse spectrum of patients with pneumonia to eventually result in the merger of these two guidelines to include all patients with pneumonia.
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Jan 2015
Development of an algorithm for the management of cervical lymphadenopathy in children: consensus of the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics, jointly with the Italian Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and the Italian Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology.
Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common disorder in children due to a wide spectrum of disorders. On the basis of a complete history and physical examination, paediatricians have to select, among the vast majority of children with a benign self-limiting condition, those at risk for other, more complex, diseases requiring laboratory tests, imaging and, finally, tissue sampling. At the same time, they should avoid expensive and invasive examinations when unnecessary. The Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics, jointly with the Italian Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, the Italian Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, and other Scientific Societies, issued a National Consensus document, based on the most recent literature findings, including an algorithm for the management of cervical lymphadenopathy in children. ⋯ The present algorithm is a practice tool for the management of pediatric cervical lymphadenopathy in the hospital and the ambulatory settings. A multidisciplinary approach is paramount. Further studies are required for its validation in the clinical field.
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Jan 2015
Review Meta AnalysisRisk factors for lung infection in stroke patients: a meta-analysis of observational studies.
The aims of this meta-analysis were to evaluate the risk factors associated with lung infections in stroke patients and to provide evidence for prevention decisions. ⋯ Preventive measures should be taken against these risk factors to reduce the incidence of lung infection.