The Journal of infection
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The Journal of infection · Feb 2009
Multicenter StudyImpact of inappropriate empirical therapy for sepsis due to health care-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
We investigated the influence of empirical therapy on the mortality of patients with health care-associated (HCA) sepsis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in a multicenter cohort, and the variables associated with inappropriate empirical therapy. ⋯ Inappropriate empirical therapy was independently associated with increased mortality in this multicenter cohort. Clinicians should be aware of the need to consider coverage against MRSA more frequently.
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The Journal of infection · Feb 2009
Diagnostic utility of CRP to neopterin ratio in patients with acute respiratory tract infections.
In this study we aimed to investigate the roles of neopterin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and the CRP to neopterin (C/N) ratio to differentiate bacterial from viral aetiology in patients with suspected acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) presenting to the emergency department (ED). ⋯ This study shows that CRP and neopterin have a role in differentiating bacterial from viral causes of ARTI, and the C/N ratio yields optimal differentiation in the ED setting.
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The Journal of infection · Dec 2008
Comparative StudyEvaluation of ChloraPrep (2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol) for skin antisepsis in preparation for blood culture collection.
Blood culture contamination is a significant adverse event. This study evaluated whether using ChloraPrep (2% alcoholic chlorhexidine) instead of 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes reduced contamination rates on two Medical Assessment Units (MAU1 and MAU2). ⋯ ChloraPrep skin antisepsis did not give a significant reduction in blood culture contamination, but education may have led to the trend to lower contamination.
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The Journal of infection · Dec 2008
The acquisition and outcome of ICU-acquired Clostridium difficile infection in a single centre in the UK.
The clinical course and outcome of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting have been reported in a small number of studies in the US and Canada. However, no such study has been reported in the UK. Therefore, we aimed to study the acquisition rate and outcome of ICU-acquired CDIs in our unit. ⋯ Patients admitted to the ICU have a moderate risk of acquiring CDI. There is a small increase in mortality observed in patients who acquired CDI in the ICU. Increasing age is an independent predictor associated with mortality.
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The Journal of infection · Oct 2008
Case ReportsEvaluation of cerebral infarction in tuberculous meningitis by diffusion weighted imaging.
Ischemic complications are known to occur in tuberculous meningitis (TBM). They are usually seen in patients with TBM having a more severe disease. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) provides information regarding tissue ischemia at an early stage as compared to conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ⋯ DWI demonstrates a larger area of infarction and may also be useful in the early detection of infarction. It should be used as an additional sequence along with conventional imaging in patients with TBM while they are on a follow up on anti tuberculous treatment. The information obtained by DWI may be of value in explaining the clinical condition of the patient as well as in the management and prognostication.