Surgical infections
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Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) continue to pose major problems in diagnosis and management. ⋯ The mortality rate of necrotizing soft tissue infection remains approximately 25% despite optimal care. Delayed definitive debridement remains the single most important risk factor for death.
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Surgical infections · Dec 2008
Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus: risk factors, surveillance, infections, and treatment.
The use of vancomycin has continued to expand because of the increasing number of patients infected or colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, causing an increase in the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). ⋯ The reservoir of resistance in enterococci looms as a major threat for genetic transfer and the emergence of increasing numbers of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus.
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Surgical infections · Oct 2008
Multicenter StudySurvey of surgical infections currently known (SOSICK): a multicenter examination of antimicrobial use from the surgical infection society scientific studies committee.
The Scientific Studies Committee of the Surgical Infection Society undertook the present study to examine the prevalence of and indications for antimicrobial use in intensive care units where members of the Society practice. ⋯ Most patients were receiving antimicrobial agents. Polypharmacy was common. Most patients did not have a date-certain stop date. This study sets the benchmark for future study regarding antibiotic prescribing behavior in surgical intensive care units.
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Surgical infections · Oct 2008
Impact of intracranial pressure monitor prophylaxis on central nervous system infections and bacterial multi-drug resistance.
Routine intracranial pressure monitor (ICP) prophylaxis is not practiced at our institution. Nevertheless, some patients receive de facto prophylaxis as a result of the use of antibiotics for injuries such as open or facial fractures. We tested the hypothesis that prophylactic antibiotics do not reduce the incidence of central nervous system (CNS) infections but instead are associated with the acquisition of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. ⋯ The routine use of prophylactic antibiotics for ICP monitor insertion is not warranted. This practice does not reduce the CNS infection rate and is associated with more MDR pathogens in any subsequent infectious complications.