Scandinavian journal of infectious diseases
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Scand. J. Infect. Dis. · Jun 2014
Diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of the CD64 index in very low birth weight neonates as a marker of early-onset sepsis.
To assess the diagnostic and prognostic utility of CD64 expression as a marker of early-onset sepsis (EOS) in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. ⋯ The CD64 index could be used as a reliable marker of EOS in VLBW neonates and it is an independent risk factor for late-onset infections.
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Scand. J. Infect. Dis. · Jun 2014
Dexamethasone treatment and prognostic factors in community-acquired bacterial meningitis: a Danish retrospective population-based cohort study.
The morbidity and mortality in community-acquired bacterial meningitis (CABM) remain substantial and treatment outcomes and predictors of a poor prognosis must be assessed regularly. We aimed to describe the outcome of patients with CABM treated with dexamethasone and to assess the performance of the Dutch Meningitis Risk Score (DMRS). ⋯ Patients treated with dexamethasone were more likely to have a favourable outcome, although statistical significance was not reached. Several parameters included in the Dutch risk score were also negative predictors in our cohort, although the entire risk score could not be validated due to a lack of data.
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Scand. J. Infect. Dis. · Jun 2014
Fungemia in a Spanish hospital: the role of Candida parapsilosis over a 15-year period.
Candida parapsilosis is one of the main causes of fungemia in tertiary-care hospitals. Few studies have analysed the changes in its distribution over a long period. We compared the distribution of C. parapsilosis with that of other fungi over a 15-y period in a tertiary hospital. ⋯ This long-term study showed a slight increase in the incidence of candidemia during the years of the study and a trend towards an increase in C. parapsilosis. Because of its high frequency and intrinsic low susceptibility to echinocandins, the prevalence and susceptibility of C. parapsilosis should be monitored, especially in children.
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Scand. J. Infect. Dis. · May 2014
Are procalcitonin or other infection markers useful in the detection of group A streptococcal acute tonsillitis?
The Centor criteria and the streptococcal rapid antigen detection test (RADT) are commonly used to differentiate sore throat patients with group A streptococci (GAS) from patients with other pathogens. We aimed to investigate if procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) could increase the diagnostic accuracy when added to the Centor score and RADT, or be used instead of the RADT, in the differential diagnosis. ⋯ The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of the RADT were higher than those of the 4 measured infection markers in the differentiation between GAS and non-GAS acute tonsillitis patients. The infection markers did not increase the diagnostic accuracy when added to the Centor score and RADT. When RADT is not available, measurement of CRP or ANC may increase the diagnostic accuracy in the detection of GAS-positive patients.
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Scand. J. Infect. Dis. · Mar 2014
Vertebral osteomyelitis: retrospective review of 11 years of experience.
Infectious vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a significant source of morbidity that can lead to chronic sequelae. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical presentations and assess the outcomes of VO. ⋯ VO was frequently caused by S. aureus or Streptococcus species. Most cases required surgical intervention. An early infectious disease consult ensured a more appropriate antibiotic course.