Outcomes of critically ill intensive care unit patients treated with fosfomycin for infections due to pandrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria.

Fosfomycin is active in vitro against extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and pandrug-resistant (PDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing strains; however, the in vivo effectiveness against such pathogens is almost unknown. A multicentre, observational, prospective case-series study was performed in 11 ICUs. All consecutive fosfomycin-treated patients suffering from XDR or PDR fosfomycin-susceptible, microbiologically documented infections were recorded.

Pleiotropic effects of ezetimibe: do they really exist?

Ezetimibe represents a new lipid lowering agent which inhibits cholesterol absorption. It effectively reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol when administered either alone or in combination with statins. However, its effect on cardiovascular mortality remains under question since it failed to demonstrate any significant changes in the primary endpoints of the recently published ENHANCE and SEAS studies.

Causes and mechanisms of acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities in cancer patients.

Patients with cancer frequently exhibit acid-base and electrolyte disturbances that complicate their management and prolong their hospitalization. The mechanisms encountered for these abnormalities are multifactorial in origin. Both the underlying disease and the therapeutic interventions can contribute to the development of these disturbances.

Therapeutic approach in patients with dysnatraemias.

Background: Rapid correction of dysnatraemias is frequently associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is important to estimate the proper volume and type of infusate required to change the serum sodium concentration predictably. The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility or/and the accuracy of the Adrogue-Madias formula in managing patients with hyponatraemia and hypernatraemia.