North Carolina medical journal
-
Community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections have been increasing. The most common of these infections present as skin abscesses. The objectives of this study were to prospectively determine the prevalence of CA-MRSA in abscesses in the population of a pediatric emergency department, to determine antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the CA-MRSA isolates, and to describe the patient population that presented with skin abscesses. ⋯ CA-MRSA is responsible for the vast majority of skin abscesses presenting to the pediatric emergency department. CA-MRSA isolates are likely to be sensitive to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxisole or clindamycin, although there is some resistance to clindamycin.
-
Comparative Study
Field hypotension in patients who arrive at the hospital normotensive: a marker of severe injury or crying wolf?
Trauma patients with hypotension in the field who arrive at a hospital with a normal blood pressure (BP) may not be recognized as significantly injured. ⋯ Despite these limitations, field hypotension is a marker of significant injury in patients arriving at the hospital normotensive.
-
Newborn screening policies in North Carolina are due to the efforts of skilled and knowledgeable state officials, clinicians, and scientists who are able to develop effective newborn screening procedures. A newborn screening that was developed in North Carolina is the first automated method for diagnosing phenylketonuria. ⋯ Newborn screening is more than testing, however; follow-up and specialized care are essential. State-level policies should recognize the multiple links necessary to make newborn screening effective and efficient.