Infection
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To determine factors associated with mortality in burn patients with bacteraemia. ⋯ In addition to conventional risk factors, recurrence and organ dysfunction at the onset of bacteraemia are also associated with mortality, while the pathogen involved is not a prognostic factor.
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To analyse the clinical, microbiological and radiological characteristics, and to identify risk factors of vertebral compressive fracture (VF) in spontaneous pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (VO). ⋯ VF is a common complication in pyogenic VO that causes slower clinical recovery. Risk factors of VF are: osteopenia, a delayed diagnosis and dorsal involvement. Conservative management is probably appropriate for most cases, but spinal stabilisation should be considered in some specific cases.
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Further examination of clinical outcomes and inflammatory response of bacteremic pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is of great interest to enhance the care of patients with pneumococcal CAP. ⋯ Bacteremic pneumococcal CAP patients were significantly associated with higher in-hospital mortality, lower TCS, and longer LOS. HIV-infected patients showed a greater mortality which was not statistically significant. Bacteremic pneumococcal CAP patients had higher levels of biomarkers and systemic cytokines.
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Fluoroquinolones and 3rd-generation cephalosporins that are prescribed for pneumonia may be avoided and replaced by a penicillin in some cases. We aimed to determine if the proportion of patients treated for pneumonia with a cephalosporin, a fluoroquinolone or both varies among Emergency Departments (EDs), and to estimate the proportion of avoidable prescriptions. ⋯ Cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones use in pneumonia is highly variable among EDs. The majority of these prescriptions are avoidable. Antibiotic stewardship programs should be implemented to restrict their use in EDs.
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The burden of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is not well described in the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA). ⋯ A focus on CAP prevention among older Veterans and those with comorbid or immunocompromising conditions is important.