Change in Methicillin-Resistant Testing in the Intensive Care Unit as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Initiative.

Methicillin-resistant (MRSA)-associated infections are a cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). Vancomycin is a treatment option but is not without risks. A MRSA testing change-the switch from culture to polymerase chain reaction-was implemented at 2 adult (tertiary and community) ICUs located in a Midwestern US health system.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Inflammatory Back Pain: Known or Suspected Axial Spondyloarthritis: 2021 Update.

Inflammatory back pain is a hallmark feature of axial spondyloarthritis, a heterogeneous group of inflammatory disorders which affects the sacroiliac joints and spine. Imaging plays a key role in diagnosis of this disease and in facilitating appropriate treatment. This document provides evidence-based recommendations on the appropriate use of imaging studies during multiple stages of the clinical evaluation of patients with suspected or known axial spondyloarthritis.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Trauma to the Knee.

Acute trauma to the knee is a common presentation seen in the emergency department. After a routine clinical examination, imaging is frequently performed to facilitate the diagnosis and almost always starts with radiographs. If clinically indicated, advanced cross-sectional imaging may then be performed for further evaluation.

Antimicrobial stewardship in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections.

Background: Research on treating skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) has shown improved patient outcomes with effective pharmaceutic prescribing. Antimicrobial stewardship programs can reduce consequences of broad-spectrum antimicrobial administration in SSTI treatment.

Methods: Prospective and historic control data were collected during two 7-month periods.