Comparison of Empiric Antibiotic Treatment Regimens for Hospitalized, Non-severe Community-acquired Pneumonia: A Retrospective, Multicenter Cohort Study.

Purpose: Consensus guidelines for hospitalized, non-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) recommend empiric macrolide + β-lactam or respiratory fluoroquinolone monotherapy in patients with no risk factors for resistant organisms. In patients with allergies or contraindications, doxycycline + β-lactam is a recommended alternative. The purpose of this study was to compare differences in outcomes among guideline-recommended regimens in this population.

Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A review focusing on exacerbations.

Purpose: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Exacerbations- acute worsening of COPD symptoms-can be mild to severe in nature. Increased healthcare resource use is common among patients with frequent exacerbations, and exacerbations are a major cause of the high 30-day hospital readmission rates associated with COPD.

Predictors of Treatment Failure Following De-escalation to a Fluoroquinolone in Culture-Negative Nosocomial Pneumonia.

Little evidence exists for de-escalation of nosocomial pneumonia therapy without positive cultures. The purpose of this study was to identify potential predictors of treatment failure following de-escalation to a fluoroquinolone in culture-negative nosocomial pneumonia. The study involved a single-center, retrospective cohort of patients admitted with diagnosis of nosocomial pneumonia and positive chest radiography who received at least 24 hours of fluoroquinolone monotherapy following at least 24 hours of appropriate empirical antibiotics.

Edoxaban: A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacology and Clinical Data for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation and Venous Thromboembolism.

Historically, vitamin K antagonists have been the only class of oral anticoagulants available. Despite our experience with warfarin over the past 60 years, its use is associated with several pharmacokinetic and clinical disadvantages including unpredictable dosing, frequent monitoring, and delayed onset and offset. Edoxaban, an oral direct Xa inhibitor, may provide clinicians with an additional option in patients requiring chronic anticoagulation.