September 20th 2024
FluMist is the first influenza vaccine that does not have to be given by a health care professional.
Sudden Loss of Consciousness in an Elderly Woman
October 1st 2007A comatose 82-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department. Her husband reports that after dinner she began to have difficulty in speaking, lost consciousness, and fell to the floor. He tried to rouse her, but was unsuccessful and called for an ambulance.
Emerging Infections:What You Need to Know, Part 1
October 1st 2007Within the past 7 years, the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile infections has significantly increased. Risk factors for MRSA infection include previous antibiotic therapy and living arrangements such as prisons or military barracks that involve close, frequent contact with infected persons. Treat stable patients with MRSA skin infections with oral antibiotics in addition to incision and drainage; hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics are recommended for patients whose condition is unstable or who are unlikely to adhere to an oral regimen. A new strain of C difficile, BI/NAP1, has been associated with recurrent infection; more severe disease that mandates urgent colectomy; and dramatically higher mortality in vulnerable populations, such as older adults. Although oral metronidazole has been the mainstay of treatment of C difficile infection, oral vancomycin may be slightly more effective in patients with severe disease.
Suturing and Wound Closure: How to Achieve Optimal Healing
September 30th 2007Although many lacerations are treated in the emergency department, primary care clinicians still see their share of such wounds. Most lacerations are incurred on the face and head (as a result of falls or altercations) or on the hand or lower arm (caused by tools, broken glass, or other sharp objects).
ICAAC: Gardasil Provides Cross Protection Against Wide Array of HPV Types
September 20th 2007CHICAGO -- Immunization with Gardasil, a vaccine designed to prevent infection with human papilloma virus types 6, 11, 16, and 18 may also offer women significant protection against so-called "cousins" of those viral strains, reported researchers here.