Bacterial septic arthritis in adults.

Symptoms and signs of septic arthritis are an important medical emergency, with high morbidity and mortality. We review the changing epidemiology of septic arthritis of native joints in adults, encompassing the increasing frequency of the disorder and its evolving antibiotic resistance. We discuss various risk factors for development of septic arthritis and examine host factors (tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukins 1 and 10) and bacterial proteins, toxins, and enzymes reported to be important determinants of pathogenesis in mouse models.

Effect of synbiotic therapy on the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia in critically ill patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective: To investigate the effect of enteral Synbiotic 2000 FORTE (a mixture of lactic acid bacteria and fibre) on the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients.

Design: Prospective, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial.

Setting: Tertiary referral centre, general Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU).