Treatment of Severe C. difficile –Associated Diarrhea: Vancomycin vs. Metronidazole
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Free
Among patients with severe disease, the clinical cure rate was significantly higher with vancomycin than with metronidazole.
By Neil M. Ampel, MD
August 8, 2007
Covering:
Zar FA et al., Clin Infect Dis 2007 Aug 1; 45:302-7
Ciprofloxacin Crystal Nephropathy
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Elderly patients who receive high doses of ciprofloxacin may be especially vulnerable.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
September 11, 2007
Covering:
Stratta P et al., Am J Kidney Dis 2007 Aug; 50:330-5
FDA Considers Changes in Labeling for Sunscreen Products
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Among these, a new rating system for UVA protection and a rise in the allowable SPF
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
September 14, 2007
Covering:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).,
Natural History of Multiple Sclerosis with Childhood Onset
Neurology Summary and Comment
Patients with childhood-onset MS accrue disability more slowly than patients with adult onset but reach disability milestones at younger ages.
By Tanuja Chitnis, MD
August 28, 2007
Covering:
Renoux C et al., N Engl J Med 2007 Jun 21; 356:2603-13
Diagnosing Fever in Returned Travelers
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
A complete travel history often points to the cause of fever.
By Stephen G. Baum, MD
July 18, 2007
Covering:
Wilson ME et al., Clin Infect Dis 2007 Jun 15; 44:1560-8
The Best Antibiotic Treatment for Ruptured Appendicitis in Children?
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
In a large meta-analysis, ß-lactam monotherapy was at least as effective as aminoglycoside-based triple-antibiotic therapy.
By Robert S. Baltimore, MD
June 6, 2007
Covering:
Goldin AB et al., Pediatrics 2007 May; 119:905-11
How Irritating Are Alcohol Hand Rubs?
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Despite limitations, this study suggests that alcohol rubs may be preferable to soap-and-water washing for healthcare providers.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
August 17, 2007
Covering:
Löffler H et al., Br J Dermatol 2007 Jul; 157:74-81
Johnston GA and English JSC., Br J Dermatol 2007 Jul; 157:1-3
A Successful Pediatric Pay-for-Performance Program
General Medicine Summary and Comment
This program is based on overall network performance rather than that of individual providers.
By Robert A. Dershewitz, MD, MSc
July 17, 2007
Covering:
Mandel KE and Kotagal UR., Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2007 Jul; 161:650-5
Profit J and Petersen LA., Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2007 Jul; 161:713-4
Homer CJ., Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2007 Jul; 161:715-7
Marketing Influences Young Children’s Tastes
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Young children preferred the taste of foods and drinks when they were presented in McDonald’s packaging to the same in plain packaging.
By Robert A. Dershewitz, MD, MSc
August 9, 2007
Covering:
Robinson TN et al., Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2007 Aug; 161:792-7
Can Children Perform Effective Chest Compressions?
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
Yes, but not until about age 13.
By Kristi L. Koenig, MD, FACEP
July 13, 2007
Covering:
Jones I et al., BMJ 2007 Jun 9; 334:1201
Persistence of Chronic Daily Headache in Adolescents
Neurology Summary and Comment
Major depression and medication overuse were two predictors.
By Ann H. Tilton, MD
July 17, 2007
Covering:
Wang S-J et al., Neurology 2007 Feb 20; 68:591-6
Mycophenolate Sodium Is Effective for Subacute Cutaneous LE
Dermatology Summary and Comment
This agent can be a useful alternative for patients unresponsive to antimalarials.
By Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
July 13, 2007
Covering:
Kreuter A et al., Br J Dermatol 2007 Jun; 156:1321-7
Appropriate Medication for Youths with Bipolar Disorder
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
The use of divalproex is not supported in a placebo-controlled study.
By Barbara Geller, MD
July 9, 2007
Covering:
Findling RL et al., J Clin Psychiatry 2007 May; 68:781-8
DelBello MP et al., J Clin Psychiatry 2007 May; 68:789-95
Physician Self-Disclosure During Patient Visits
General Medicine Summary and Comment
There was little evidence that disclosures were helpful.
By Jamaluddin Moloo, MD, MPH
June 28, 2007
Covering:
McDaniel SH et al., Arch Intern Med 2007 Jun 25; 167:1321-6
The 4-Hour Rule for CAP Antibiotic Administration Backfires
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
In one study, it was the patients <$EMPH_O>without<$EMPH_C> pneumonia who got (unnecessary) antibiotics more quickly.
By Abigail Zuger, MD
June 28, 2007
Covering:
Kanwar M et al., Chest 2007 Jun; 131:1865-9
Brugada Syndrome in Children
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Brugada syndrome in children, although rare, is just as deadly as in adults.
By Mark S. Link, MD
May 16, 2007
Covering:
Probst V et al., Circulation 2007 Apr 17; 115:2042-8
Micafungin vs. Liposomal Amphotericin B for Severe Candida Infections
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Treatment success was equivalent between micafungin and liposomal amphotericin B, but fewer treatment-related adverse events occurred with micafungin.
By Neil M. Ampel, MD
May 2, 2007
Covering:
Kuse ER et al., Lancet 2007 Apr 26
Update on Diagnosis of Pediatric Parasomnias
Neurology Summary and Comment
Parasomnias are common in children and adolescents and are due to many different conditions.
By Mark W. Mahowald, MD
April 17, 2007
Covering:
Mason TBA II and Pack AI., Sleep 2007 Feb 1; 30:141-51
Wound Irrigation: Tap Water Is as Good as Sterile Saline
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
Wound infection rates were similar for both irrigants.
By Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD
May 11, 2007
Covering:
Moscati RM et al., Acad Emerg Med 2007 May; 14:404-9
No Improvement in Neurobehavioral Outcomes After Adenotonsillectomy
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Parents reported improvements in sleep, breathing, and quality of life but not behavior.
By Robert A. Dershewitz, MD, MSc
May 24, 2007
Covering:
Constantin E et al., J Pediatr 2007 May; 150:540-6
Is Bottled Water Replacing Fluoridated Tap Water?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
About 40% of children at an urban public health clinic never drink tap water, raising concerns about fluoride intake.
By Robert A. Dershewitz, MD, MSc
May 17, 2007
Covering:
Hobson WL et al., Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2007 May; 161:457-61
Pruritic Pregnancies
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Ursodeoxycholic acid provided relief to women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
By Lowell A. Goldsmith, MD, MPH
June 22, 2007
Covering:
Ambros-Rudolph CM et al., Arch Dermatol 2007 Jun; 143:757-62
Escalating Problems from C. Difficile in IBD Patients
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Clinicians should consider routine testing for <$EMPH_O>C. difficile<$EMPH_C> infection in IBD patients.
By Douglas K. Rex, MD
June 8, 2007
Covering:
Rodemann JF et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007 Mar; 5:339-44
Issa M et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007 Mar; 5:345-51
Relationships Between Physicians and Industry — A Survey
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
Physician-industry relationships are pervasive in the U.S.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
April 25, 2007
Covering:
Campbell EG et al., N Engl J Med 2007 Apr 26; 356:1742-50
Chronic Fatigue, Unrefreshing Sleep, and Nocturnal Polysomnography
Neurology Summary and Comment
New findings call attention to the presence of objective, measurable EEG features in CFS patients.
By Milena Pavlova, MD
February 13, 2007
Covering:
Guilleminault C et al., Sleep Med 2006 Sep; 7:513-20
