International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Feb 2014
Diagnostic contribution of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT in fever of unknown origin.
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) remains one of the most compelling diagnostic issues in medicine. We aimed to evaluate the potential clinical contribution of 18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET/CT) in the identification of the underlying cause of FUO. ⋯ Further studies to confirm the high diagnostic yield of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT observed in the present study would lend support to the inclusion of this imaging modality in the initial diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected FUO.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Jan 2014
ReviewCommunity-acquired pneumonia and tuberculosis: differential diagnosis and the use of fluoroquinolones.
The respiratory fluoroquinolones moxifloxacin, gemifloxacin, and high-dose levofloxacin are recommended in guidelines for effective empirical antimicrobial therapy of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The use of these antibiotics for this indication in areas with a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) has been questioned due to the perception that they contribute both to delays in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB and to the emergence of fluoroquinolone-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. ⋯ The evidence suggests that the use of fluoroquinolones as recommended for 5-10 days as empirical treatment for CAP, according to current clinical management guidelines, is appropriate even in TB-endemic regions. It is critical to quickly exclude M. tuberculosis as a cause of CAP using the most rapid relevant diagnostic investigations in the management of all patients with CAP.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Dec 2013
Multicenter StudyRisk factors for cardiovascular events in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia.
An increased risk of cardiovascular complications has been found in those with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Preliminary data suggest that pneumococcal pneumonia, more severe pneumonia, older age, renal disease, hypoalbuminemia, and inpatient sliding scale insulin administration contribute to risk. The objective of this study was to ascertain additional factors influencing cardiovascular events in CAP. ⋯ This study highlights variables in CAP patients that should make clinicians vigilant for the development of cardiac complications. Additional research is needed to determine if statins attenuate cardiac risk in CAP.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Dec 2013
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: seroprevalence and risk factors among humans in Achaia, western Greece.
The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) presents a wide distribution, with the Balkan Peninsula being among the endemic regions. To date, only one CCHF case has been reported in Greece; however, based on seroprevalence data, there is evidence that CCHFV circulates in the country. Achaia is a prefecture in western Greece that has not previously been studied for CCHFV. ⋯ A relatively high seroprevalence was detected in a previously unstudied region of Greece, where CCHFV infection seems to occur mainly through tick bites. Further investigations are needed to identify the circulating CCHFV strains in Greece, in order to gain a better understanding of CCHFV ecology and epidemiology in the country.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Dec 2013
Acinetobacter baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia: epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and prognosis factors.
The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and to identify factors predictive of a poor outcome. ⋯ A. baumannii VAP is associated with a high mortality. Hemodynamic impairment is predictive of a poor outcome.