Impact of a bloodstream infection stewardship program in hospitalized patients.

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) in hospitalized patients represent sentinel events requiring timely and responsive antimicrobial prescribing. These infections represent an attractive but seldom-evaluated stewardship opportunity.

Methods: Retrospective pre-post study design, with review of patient charts 18 months before and after initiation of a hospital Bloodstream Infection Stewardship Program (BSISP).

Real-life experience with ceftobiprole in Canada: Results from the CLEAR (CanadianLEadership onAntimicrobialReal-life usage) registry.

Objectives: Ceftobiprole is an advanced-generation cephalosporin with a favourable safety profile. Published data on the clinical use of ceftobiprole are limited. We report use of ceftobiprole in Canadian patients using data captured by the CLEAR registry.

Optimizing Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Attending a Multidisciplinary Foot Clinic.

Objectives: To determine the impact of a diabetes nurse educator (DNE) on glycemic control in a multidisciplinary diabetes foot (MDF) clinic.

Methods: A prospective cohort trial to measure the impact of a DNE on glycemic control was conducted in an MDF clinic. Change in glycated hemoglobin (A1C) levels over time was measured against the percentage of patient visits (PPVs) accompanied by a glucose meter and/or diary.

Patterns and correlates of cannabis use among individuals with HIV/AIDS in Maritime Canada.

Background: The prevalence of cannabis use in HIV-infected individuals is high and its long-term effects are unclear.

Methods: The prevalence, perceived benefits and consequences, and predictors of cannabis use were studied using a cross-sectional survey in two immunodeficiency clinics in Maritime Canada.

Results: Current cannabis use was identified in 38.

Decolonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus during routine hospital care: Efficacy and long-term follow-up.

Background/objective: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization is associated with a significant risk of subsequent MRSA infection in the hospital setting. The use of decolonization as an infection control strategy remains highly controversial despite publications evaluating more than 40 different decolonization regimens over the past 60 years. The present study describes the benefits and potential drawbacks of such an approach in the patient population.

Nocardia farcinica lung abscess presenting in the context of advanced HIV infection: Spontaneous resolution in response to highly active antiretroviral therapy alone.

A 43-year-old man, known to be HIV-positive, presented with a six-week history of symptoms including cough, hemoptysis, anterior chest pain, fever and wasting. His CD4 cell count was 46 cells/muL, and his chest x-ray showed a cavitating lesion in the left upper lobe. Sputum culture was positive for Nocardia farcinica.

Tolevamer, a novel nonantibiotic polymer, compared with vancomycin in the treatment of mild to moderately severe Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Background: Current antibiotic therapies for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea have limitations, including progression to severe disease, recurrent C. difficile-associated diarrhea, and selection for nosocomial pathogens. Tolevamer, a soluble, high-molecular weight, anionic polymer that binds C.

A novel aqueous metronidazole 1% gel with hydrosolubilizing agents (HSA-3).

Rosacea is a common chronic dermatosis that often is characterized by the presence of facial erythema, visible blood vessels, papules, and pustules. Because the face is the predominant site of involvement, rosacea may cause serious psychologic trauma and can significantly affect the quality of life of individuals with the condition. The first topical therapy approved for rosacea by the US Food and Drug Administration was metronidazole for the treatment of inflammatory lesions and erythema.

Immunomodulation with interferon-gamma and colony-stimulating factors for refractory fungal infections in patients with leukemia.

Background: Invasive fungal infections (IFI) in immunocompromised patients are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, despite appropriate antifungal treatment and recovery from neutropenia. The outcome of these infections depends significantly on the overall state of immunosuppression, including mainly the phagocytic system (neutrophils and macrophages). Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), granulocyte-colony--stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage-colony--stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are cytokines that enhance the activity of neutrophils and macrophages.

A prospective, randomized trial of 3 or 14 days of ciprofloxacin treatment for acute urinary tract infection in patients with spinal cord injury.

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common among patients with spinal cord injury. The optimal duration of treatment for symptomatic UTI has not been determined.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared 3-day and 14-day regimens of ciprofloxacin, 250 mg twice daily, for the treatment of acute UTI in patients with spinal cord injury.