Current opinion in infectious diseases
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Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis. · Aug 2010
ReviewPrevention of healthcare-associated infections in children: new strategies and success stories.
Attention to patient safety has made hospital infection prevention and control strategies a subject of increasing focus from healthcare personnel, patients and families, accrediting organizations, and government. This review highlights recent literature and new successes in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in children. ⋯ A renewed interest in infection prevention by multiple stakeholders has energized our field and contributed to impressive successes in reducing rates of healthcare-associated infections. Nevertheless, important knowledge gaps remain and an emphasis on funding of high-quality, rigorous studies to answer unresolved questions will be critical to our efforts to further prevent infections for hospitalized children.
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Sepsis is a major cause of maternal death worldwide. Little is known on the incidence of severe maternal morbidity related to sepsis. In this review, we focus on new findings concerning epidemiology, etiology and outcome of maternal sepsis in low-income as well as high-income countries. ⋯ Maternal sepsis is an infrequent, but important complication of pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium, resulting in significant maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Improved outcome is possible through improved service provision.
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Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis. · Apr 2010
ReviewKaposi's sarcoma in sub-Saharan Africa: a current perspective.
The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent published literature on HIV/AIDS Kaposi's sarcoma in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We attempted to update readers on the epidemiology of Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus infection and HIV Kaposi's sarcoma in SSA, as well as clinical features, therapy and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome associated with HIV Kaposi's sarcoma. ⋯ Kaposi's sarcoma is a public health concern in SSA. More studies appropriate to therapy for Kaposi's sarcoma in resource-poor environments like SSA are imperative. We are hopeful that with the increased availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of HIV Kaposi's sarcoma will decrease and management will improve, as it has in the West.
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Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis. · Apr 2010
ReviewDo guidelines change outcomes in ventilator-associated pneumonia?
The purpose of the study is to summarize effects of implementation of current and past guidelines for management and treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) on outcome of intensive care patients, with particular focus on etiology of VAP, pathogens prediction, appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy and mortality. ⋯ Guidelines implementation can improve outcomes. To achieve this goal, guidelines should be adapted to local microbiology, accurately predict VAP pathogens and help physicians to administer the most appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy.