JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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In utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is currently in its early stage of development, but it holds considerable promise as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of a large number of congenital hematologic diseases. Experimental evidence supports the concept of the early gestational fetus as a favorable recipient for cellular therapy. Unique aspects of normal hematologic and immunologic ontogeny allow engraftment and long-term persistence of transplanted hematopoietic stem cells without the requirement for myeloablation or immunosuppression. ⋯ Parallel advances in prenatal diagnosis, fetal intervention, and hematopoietic stem cell technology have removed many of the practical, technical, and ethical obstacles to clinical application. This progress has been accompanied by an increase in the number of centers with both the stated interest and perceived expertise to develop clinical programs. However, there is currently limited consensus among investigators on many important issues, such as the mode or timing of in utero transplantation, the ideal source or dose of donor cells, estimation of maternal and fetal risks, appropriate candidate diseases for treatment, and important ethical considerations in counseling and therapy.
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Antibiotic use is associated with increased rates of antibiotic-resistant organisms. A previous study has shown that colds, upper respiratory tract infections, and bronchitis account for nearly one third of all antibiotic prescribing by ambulatory care physicians. How frequently antibiotics are prescribed for these conditions and for and by whom is not known. ⋯ Although antibiotics have little or no benefit for colds, upper respiratory tract infections, or bronchitis, these conditions account for a sizable proportion of total antibiotic prescriptions for adults by office-based physicians in the United States. Overuse of antibiotics is widespread across geographical areas, medical specialties, and payment sources. Therefore, effective strategies for changing prescribing behavior for these conditions will need to be broad based.
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Patients with tuberculosis (TB) who are persistently nonadherent to treatment present a public health risk. In 1993, California created a new civil detention process and allowed detention of noninfectious but persistently nonadherent patients. ⋯ Further improvements in the care of persistently nonadherent patients may require more psychosocial services, appropriate facilities for civil detention, and detaining patients long enough to assure completion of treatment.