Scandinavian journal of infectious diseases
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Scand. J. Infect. Dis. · Apr 2010
Comparative StudyEvaluation of neutrophilic CD64, interleukin 10 and procalcitonin as diagnostic markers of early- and late-onset neonatal sepsis.
The assay of infection markers can improve diagnostic sensitivity in neonatal sepsis. We determined the levels of neutrophilic CD64 (nCD64), procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) in infants with neonatal sepsis. Forty-nine newborn infants who met the criteria of sepsis were subjected to a routine sepsis evaluation as well as measurement of PCT and IL-10 levels and nCD64 expression. ⋯ For PCT, the highest sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 60% were found at a cut-off value of > or =36.4 pg/ml. nCD64 had a maximal sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 71% at a cut-off value of 2.6%. Combinations of different markers may improve the sensitivity and specificity of biomarker tests. We found that the best combination was IL-10 and nCD64, which together provided sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 83%, and a negative predictive value of 86%.
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Scand. J. Infect. Dis. · Apr 2010
Intravenous colistin sulfate: a rarely used form of polymyxin E for the treatment of severe multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.
In recent reports polymyxins have been considered an effective and safe treatment option for the management of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections. Here we report our clinical experience with the use of intravenous colistin sulfate in critically ill patients hospitalized from January 2006 to October 2008, as a last treatment resort in China, and assess its effectiveness and adverse effects. ⋯ Possible nephrotoxicity occurred in 1 patient and no patients developed neurotoxicity. In conclusion, intravenous colistin sulfate is a safe and viable alternative for the treatment of severe infections due to sensitive MDR Gram-negative bacteria.