Impact of the implementation of a rapid meningitis/encephalitis multiplex polymerase chain reaction panel on IV acyclovir duration: multicenter, retrospective cohort of adult and pediatric patients.

The standard for diagnosing meningoencephalitis includes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Approval of the FilmArray® BioFire® Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) panel has reduced time to detection of several pathogens and improved diagnostic sensitivity. The objective of this study was to determine the impact on intravenous (IV) acyclovir duration of the ME panel compared to previously utilized CSF studies within a large health system with a central laboratory.

Improved Diagnosis and Treatment of Bone and Joint Infections Using an Evidence-based Treatment Guideline.

Background: Our institution created a multidisciplinary guideline for treatment of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) and septic arthritis (SA) in response to updates in evidence-based literature in the field and existing provider variability in treatment. This guideline aims to improve the care of these patients by standardizing diagnosis and treatment and incorporating up to date evidence-based research into practice. The primary objective of this study is to compare cases before versus after the implementation of the guideline to determine concrete effects the guideline has had in the care of patients with AHO and SA.

Decreasing Exposure to Radiation, Surgical Risk, and Costs for Pediatric Complicated Pneumonia: A Guideline Evaluation.

Objectives: This report describes the creation and successful implementation of a complicated pneumonia care algorithm at our institution. Outcomes are measured for specific goals of the algorithm: to decrease radiation exposure, surgical risk, and patient charges without adversely affecting clinical outcomes.

Methods: We describe steps involved in algorithm creation and implementation at our institution.

Comparison of Intravenous Palivizumab and Standard of Care for Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Mechanically Ventilated Pediatric Patients.

Objectives: Evidence suggests palivizumab may be beneficial for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in pediatric patients, although it is only approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for RSV prophylaxis. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes among pediatric patients with RSV infection who received intravenous palivizumab and standard of care versus standard of care alone.

Methods: This is a retrospective, single-center cohort study conducted between November 2003 and October 2013.

Positive affect predicts improved lip movement in facial movement disorder.

Objectives: Positive affect in individuals with a facial movement disorder may promote lip corner movement (zygomaticus major) during smiling. We investigated whether a positive affect marker (orbicularis oculi activity) observed in an initial clinic visit of individuals with facial movement disorder (N = 28) predicted increased lip corner movement at a subsequent visit.

Study Design And Setting: In this clinical outcomes study, lip corner movement was assessed with the use of automated facial analysis.