Hawaii medical journal
-
Hawaii medical journal · May 2007
Review Case ReportsCentipede bites in Hawai'i: a brief case report and review of the literature.
In this article, a local case of a centipede bite, with fairly typical symptoms and an uncomplicated course, is presented. The literature is reviewed, indicating that serious complications, while rare, are possible. The author recommends that clinicians structure assessments of centipede bites around knowledge of serious potential complications and provide counseling on prevention of future attacks.
-
Hawaii medical journal · Mar 2007
Case ReportsEosinophilic fasciitis in a 57-year-old Japanese-American woman.
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by symmetrical sclerodermatous skin changes primarily affecting the extremities and histologically, by thickening of the fascia with chronic inflammatory infiltrate containing eosinophils. EF is associated with peripheral eosinophilia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and an elevated ESR. Reported is a case of EF in a 57-year-old Japanese-American woman who refused treatment with prednisone, review of other treatment options, and discussion of key differences between this disease and scleroderma.
-
Hawaii medical journal · Oct 2006
ReviewOral antibiotic treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infections: review of the literature.
The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a cause of hospital- and community-associated infection has been reported worldwide and has become an increasing health care problem. Treatment options for MRSA infection are limited, complicated and expensive. Oral antibiotics have been used in the outpatient setting for less severe MRSA infections such as skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), but their efficacy has not been well studied. ⋯ The antibiotics available for MRSA SSTI vary widely in chances of resistance, activity, adverse effects, and cost. More clinical studies of clinical efficacy are needed, especially with comparative trials. Selection of the most appropriate antibiotic will depend upon local antibiotic resistance, type of infection, potential adverse effects, and cost for the individual.