Clinical Corner

The ideal parameter for vancomycin monitoring is the area under the curve, which can be calculated using pharmacokinetic equations or Bayesian software.

Forty percent of the dose of the PCV 13 vaccine, but not of the PCV 10 or lower dose, was found noninferior to full doses when immunizing infants in Kenya.

In part 1 of a 2-part story, an investigator discusses the use of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein guided protocols for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Largest randomized trial of povidone iodine vs chlorhexidine gluconate could prompt WHO to recommend either over latter.

Study ranks antibiotic classes by risk for rare, life-threatening cutaneous reactions of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

A large Veterans Health Administration (VA) outpatient study showed a large increase in MRSA resistance in one particular area of the United States and varying antimicrobial resistance patterns overall.

Investigators found that 10 days of antibiotics is common for acute otitis media despite that 5 to 7 days is advised by US and international guidelines.

A study finds clinically-relevant sub-phenotypes can be reproducibly, and could lead to patient stratification and treatment.

Clinicians developed an algorithm and screening questionnaire for outpatient penicillin allergy evaluation, designed to stratify patients into high- and low-risk penicillin allergy groups. Here is the sample questionnaire to consider for use in clinics.

Proposed alternative to "unsustainable" wide use of broad spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis in surgeries confronts antimicrobial resistance.

A new study demonstrates that the continuous infusion of β-lactam antibiotics could offer better clinical outcomes in treating sepsis, despite the nuanced statistical results.

Meta-analysis revealing higher 90-day mortality with intermittent than continuous infusion of ß-lactams for sepsis prompts call for latter to be standard of care.

In the latest Bench to Bedside column, clinicians provide information and resources on recommended topics learners should explore.

Piperacillin-tazobactam was associated with higher mortality than cefepime for empiric treatment of sepsis among patients without indication of anaerobic infection.

Spare use of carbapenem-sparing regimens reflects practice lagging behind guidance, among the challenges in implementing antimicrobial stewardship.

A study underscores the microbial etiology of septic arthritis, which can guide clinicians in minimizing the use of overly broad empiric antibiotics.

PEN-FAST is a validated risk stratification tool that promotes efficient, safe, and effective de-labeling of penicillin allergies.

Here is a case study involving a patient with the virus and the clinical approach in thinking about appropriate treatment while keeping stewardship in mind.

A cautious approach for now is warranted as well as a need for a randomized clinical trial.

Investigators find that bacteremia rarely develops from asymptomatic bacteriuria, and that empiric antibiotic treatment should be reserved for those at risk.

New analysis indicates that children treated at 3 years of age for perinatally acquired HCV will live longer, with less liver morbidity and lower health care costs than if treated at 6 years of age.

Patients hospitalized for suspected community-acquired pneumonia received targeted treatment more quickly with PCR testing than with culture-based diagnostics.

Management of this condition has been associated with antibiotic misuse. In the latest Bench to Bedside column, clinicians offer insights on therapy indications and what the latest literature reports on the condition.

New review article outlines the evidence and future work that needs to be done with regards to doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP).

A clinician reviews the literature and offers some insights on the role of this antibiotic in bone, joint, and hardware infections.

Inhaled nanoparticles deliver antibiotic and antimicrobial peptides through mucus and biofilm barriers in animal model of infection-exacerbated COPD.

New vancomycin dosing regimens are proposed to improve outcome and minimize toxicity in overweight and obese patients with renal insufficiency.

Recent studies support the argument that all positive blood cultures trigger an automatic consultation.

Infants with HIV could be spared from requiring lifetime ART if treated within hours of birth to disrupt formation of HIV viral reservoirs.

Amikacin inhaled once daily for 3 days reduced risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia in placebo-controlled trial in critically ill.