Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Extended Infusion Versus Short Infusion Piperacillin-Tazobactam in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing CRRT.

Background And Objectives: Infection is the most common cause of death in severe AKI, but many patients receiving continuous RRT do not reach target antibiotic concentrations in plasma. Extended infusion of β-lactams is associated with improved target attainment in critically ill patients; thus, we hypothesized that extended infusion piperacillin-tazobactam would improve piperacillin target attainment compared with short infusion in patients receiving continuous RRT.

Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: We conducted an institutional review board-approved observational cohort study of piperacillin-tazobactam pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in critically ill patients receiving continuous venovenous hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration at three tertiary care hospitals between 2007 and 2015.

HIV, rods, and the muscles--a discussion about HIV-associated nemaline rod myopathy.

This case reports a 21-year-old, homosexual African-American male who presented to our facility with a two-week history of progressive proximal muscle weakness. Quadriceps muscle biopsy showed a diagnosis of Nemaline Rod Myopathy, the presenting disease of his HIV infection. A review of the literature shows 13 prior case reports of similar disease process, often as the presenting symptom of the HIV disease.

Carcinomatous meningitis secondary to transitional cell bladder cancer.

We report a patient with carcinomatous meningitis secondary to known transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The patient presented with multiple focal neurological signs and symptoms. Diagnosis was suggested by magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed by analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Laboratory markers as predictors of mortality in patients with Clostridium difficile infection.

Previous studies have identified laboratory markers for severe Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The most consistent of these markers is the presence of marked leukocytosis. We examined the validity of these markers as predictors of mortality in patients with CDI.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a case of Letterer Siwe disease.

An 8-month-old male infant presented with a progressively worsening generalized rash of 5-6 months duration, fever, poor feeding, and abdominal distension. An initial laboratory workup revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hepatosplenomegaly. The patient was started on i.

Does PPI therapy predispose to Clostridium difficile infection?

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has emerged as a problem of epidemic proportions. Previous exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics remains the most important predisposing factor for the disease. However, PPIs are increasingly being overprescribed and recent research has, therefore, focused on the association between PPI therapy and CDI.

Harbingers for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Purpose: : Recent research has recognized surrogate markers for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Among the most consistently identified markers are the leukocyte count, platelet count, and albumin level. Previous investigators failed to exclude patients with hematologic disorders that may have confounded their results.