International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Nov 2008
Review Case ReportsCerebellar ataxia following prolonged use of metronidazole: case report and literature review.
Cerebellar toxicity is a rare adverse event in patients treated with metronidazole. Here, we present a patient who developed cerebellar toxicity accompanied by objective abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging, and review the literature on this unusual reaction. Discontinuation of metronidazole almost always results in resolution of symptoms and structural lesions.
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In the majority of pneumoperitoneum cases we diagnose perforated viscus. We present herein a case of ruptured hepatic abscess mimicking perforated viscus. ⋯ For a ruptured hepatic abscess, surgical intervention with draining of the abscess and cleaning of the abdominal cavity are essential to save patient lives.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Nov 2008
Short-term relative antibacterial effect of octenidine dihydrochloride on the oral microflora in orthodontically treated patients.
To evaluate the efficacy of common antiseptic mouth rinses and octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT). ⋯ OCT compared favorably with CHX and PVP-I in its antibacterial effects, both in vitro and in vivo (p<0.01).
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Sep 2008
ReviewVentilator-associated pneumonia in adults in developing countries: a systematic review.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a leading cause of death in hospitalized patients, but there has been no systematic analysis of the incidence, microbiology, and outcome of VAP in developing countries or of the interventions most applicable in that setting. ⋯ Based on the existing literature, the rate of VAP in developing countries is higher than NHSN benchmark rates and is associated with a significant impact on patient outcome. Only a few studies reported successful interventions to reduce VAP. There is a clear need for additional epidemiologic studies to better understand the scope of the problem. Additionally, more work needs to be done on strategies to prevent VAP, probably with emphasis on practical, low-cost, low technology, easily implemented measures.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Sep 2008
Validation of the Accutrend lactate meter for hyperlactatemia screening during antiretroviral therapy in a resource-poor setting.
The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) results in multiple side effects that may jeopardize the life of the patient being treated with antiretroviral drugs. In resource-poor settings it is difficult to definitively diagnose lactic acidosis by laboratory measurement of lactate. Point-of-care (POC) devices are helpful in the measurement of lactate levels and have been validated in the intensive care unit setting, but not in a busy outpatient clinic. The objective of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the Accutrend lactate meter in the diagnosis of hyperlactatemia/lactic acidosis in patients on nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)-containing regimens (stavudine). ⋯ The Accutrend lactate meter is an appropriate device for screening patients on HAART with symptoms of hyperlactatemia/lactic acidosis. The use of this device decreases analytic and intervention time, preventing further morbidity and mortality in patients on an NRTI (stavudine)-based regimen.