Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
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Multicenter Study
Effects of local variation, specialty, and beliefs on antiviral prescribing for influenza.
In 2004, we conducted a survey of physician knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding influenza diagnosis and treatment at Baystate Medical Center in Massachusetts and Scott & White Hospital and Clinic in Texas. Of the 579 physicians we contacted, 336 completed the survey. Sixty-one percent of the respondents prescribed antivirals, and 62% used rapid testing. Prescribing practices were associated with location, practice size, use of rapid testing, and belief in the efficacy of antivirals.
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The purpose of our study was to analyze prognostic factors associated with mortality for patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). ⋯ Better adherence to IDSA guidelines would help to improve survival among patients with severe CAP. Pseudomonas coverage should be considered for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malignancy, or recent antibiotic exposure.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Randomized, double-blind comparison of once-weekly dalbavancin versus twice-daily linezolid therapy for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections.
Dalbavancin, a novel lipoglycopeptide with a pharmacokinetic profile that allows weekly dosing, is active against gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The efficacy of dalbavancin for treatment of skin and skin structure infections (SSSIs) was demonstrated in a phase 2 study. ⋯ Two doses of dalbavancin (1000 mg given on day 1 followed by 500 mg given on day 8) were as well tolerated and as effective as linezolid given twice daily for 14 days for the treatment of patients with complicated SSSI, including those infected with MRSA.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Two randomized controlled trials of ceftazidime alone versus ceftazidime in combination with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the treatment of severe melioidosis.
Two antibiotic regimens are used commonly in Thailand for the initial treatment of severe melioidosis: ceftazidime in combination with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and ceftazidime monotherapy. It is not known whether TMP-SMX provides an additional benefit. ⋯ We conclude that the addition of TMP-SMX to ceftazidime therapy during initial treatment of severe melioidosis does not reduce the acute mortality rate.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Telavancin versus standard therapy for treatment of complicated skin and soft-tissue infections due to gram-positive bacteria.
Telavancin, a novel lipoglycopeptide, exerts concentration-dependent, rapid bactericidal activity on account of its multiple mechanisms of action. Telavancin is highly active against gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-intermediate, and vancomycin-resistant strains. ⋯ Clinical and microbiological results of this study support the further development of telavancin, especially for treatment of infection due to MRSA.