September 3rd 2024
The updated COVID-19 vaccine targets the currently circulating Omicron variant JN.1 strain of SARS-CoV-2.
Dose-Sparing Avian Flu Vaccine Shows Promise in Early Trials
September 7th 2006BEIJING -- A potentially dose-sparing avian influenza vaccine containing inactivated whole particles of the virulent H5N1 strain evoked good immune responses at low doses in early clinical trials, researchers here and in England reported.
A practical evidence-based approach to rhinosinusitis
September 1st 2006Abstract: Rhinosinusitis affects millions of persons annually and has a marked impact on quality of life and work productivity. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by symptoms that last at least 12 weeks. The history and physical examination should include a search for underlying conditions, such as allergic or nonallergic rhinitis and nasal polyposis. An evaluation of underlying immunodeficiency is warranted in certain patients, particularly those with severe or difficult-to-treat disease or other recurrent infections. When radiologic evaluation is indicated, coronal sinus CT scanning is the procedure of choice. While antibiotics are indicated for bacte- rial rhinosinusitis, intranasal corticosteroids represent the mainstay of treatment for CRS and are particularly useful when polyp disease is present. Nasal irrigation with a saline solution can be a very beneficial adjunctive therapy. Depending on coexisting conditions, additional treatments may include antihistamines, leukotriene modifiers, and immunotherapy. (J Respir Dis. 2006;27(9):372-379)
Clinical Citations: Acute infection: Risk of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
September 1st 2006Acute infection has been known to increase the risk of arterial cardiovascular events, but the effects of acute infections on venous thromboembolic disease have not been well established. Using the self- controlled case-series method, British researchers studied data obtained from general practitioners between 1987 and 2004 to investigate whether acute respiratory and urinary tract infections transiently increased the risk of initial incidents of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in 7278 persons and pulmonary embolism (PE) in 3755.
Clinical Citations: History of pneumococcal vaccination predicts better pneumonia outcomes
September 1st 2006Previous receipt of the pneumococcal vaccine is associated with improved survival, reduced risk of respiratory failure, and decreased length of stay among patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This finding was reported by Fisman and associates, who evaluated data from 109 community and teaching hospitals.
Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: A Marker of Underlying Malignancy
September 1st 2006A 62-year-old man presents with a violaceous, nonpruritic eruption that arose 2 weeks earlier on the hands and feet, including the palms and soles, and spread to the arms and legs (Figure 1). Over the past 3 to 4 weeks, he has had malaise, nonproductive cough, and a decline in mental status but no fever, headache, nausea, light-headedness, hemoptysis, or melena.
Hepatomegaly in a Middle-Aged Woman
September 1st 2006Hepatomegaly is detected during the routine physical examination of a healthy 40-year-old woman who is employed as a secretary. She has noticed some fullness in the right upper abdomen for many years, but it has not been accompanied by pain or GI symptoms.
What Hath Antibiotics Wrought?The Nightmare of Clostridium difficile Colitis
September 1st 2006Thanks to antibiotics, infectious diseases that were fatal less than 50 years ago are now eminently curable. But at what cost? Clostridium difficile colitis is one alarming side effect that is occuring more often--and with more severity--than you might think.
Doctors Leave Levees and Lassitude Behind
August 31st 2006NEW ORLEANS -- For some physicians and nurses the decision to depart this city permanently is due to post-Katrina losses of practices, homes, and patients, but others cite discouragement and defeat at the failure of leadership that permeates the community.
IAC: The Grim Days Recalled as AIDS Hits 25
August 21st 2006TORONTO -- The bleak early days of the AIDS crisis, when clinicians were grabbing at straws, provided lessons for today, said researchers who reviewed the history of the epidemic -- now in its 25th year -- at the 16th International AIDS Conference here.