Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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This study assessed the antibiotic susceptibility and characterized antibiotic resistance genes of group B Streptococcus (GBS) isolates from selected tertiary care hospitals in Western Province, Sri Lanka. ⋯ All isolates were sensitive to penicillin, and the most prevalent resistance genotype was ermTR in the study population.
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Seizures are common in palliative care patients and its control is essential in the management of these patients as it helps to reduce suffering at the end of life. Subcutaneous levetiracetam has been used off-license for seizure control in palliative care. ⋯ Subcutaneous levetiracetam was well tolerated and effective in controlling seizures in palliative care when oral administration or intravenous access was not an option. Randomized controlled trials are needed to elucidate the efficacy and tolerability of subcutaneous levetiracetam in clinical practice.
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The Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia International Prognostic Index (CLL-IPI) is a powerful prognostic tool validated in multiple Western populations. However, its utility in the young Middle Eastern population is unknown. ⋯ The CLL-IPI and the IPS-E are valid stratification tool in our young Middle Eastern population.
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Tei index (TI) is a combined myocardial performance index for overall cardiac function, the sensitivity of which seems to be better than that of systolic and diastolic parameters alone. Evidence for TI in the context of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is currently limited, which is why we chose to investigate this parameter in affected patients. ⋯ The discriminatory ability of TI was better than that of other echocardiographic parameters such as LV systolic function. Due to the simple, fast, and inexpensive way of calculating TI, diagnostic workup with conventional parameters could be complemented by TI in patients with suspected TTS.
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Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and colorectal neoplasia (CRN) are frequent entities. Epidemiological data suggest an association between H. pylori positivity (H. pylori +) and CRN, whereas pathophysiologic considerations substantiate a possible causal relationship. However, the relationship between CRN and H. pylori + may also be mediated by shared risk factors. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate a possible independent relationship between H. pylori and CRN in a Central European cohort. ⋯ We found a clustered co-occurrence of CRN and H. pylori. This association persisted after correction for shared cardiometabolic risk factors. We suggest that our analysis emphasizes the clinical value of H. pylori eradication. Whether "test and treat" H. pylori is warranted to prevent CRN remains unclear but is at least a possibility given the simplicity of "test and treat."