This Week's Biggest Infectious Disease Stories
November 17th 2023This week we covered antibiotic de-escalation, the approved fecal microbiota options for prevention of recurrent Clostridioides difficile, the CDC's recommendations for HCV testing in the pediatric populations, and examining pragmatic approaches to skin and soft tissue Infections.
Antibiotic De-Escalation: Is This the Right Outcome Measure?
November 16th 2023The proposed clinical benefits of de-escalation has contributed to its lukewarm adoption in some settings. This article looks at the challenges in measuring the impact of de-escalation, and the ongoing search for more meaningful metrics to evaluate the success of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs.
Two Pragmatic Approaches to Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
November 14th 2023Empirical antibiotic therapy in diabetic foot ulcer infections increases hospitalization and prolonged symptoms in patients being treated for lower limb cellulitis are common. Two recent papers examine the need for effective communication, the importance of objective findings in cellulitis management, and the benefits of culture-based antibiotic therapy in diabetic foot ulcer cases.
Changing the Antibiotic Reimbursement Model to Encourage Drug Development Proliferation
November 12th 2023Although the current reimbursement model makes it difficult for pharmaceutical companies to recoup their investments, a subscription model like the prospective congressional bill, the Pasteur Act, may help change that paradigm. In addition, there are international measures being carried out that may bring about changes.
FDA: COVID-19 Moderna Vaccine Dose Needs to be Adjusted for Pediatric Population
November 7th 2023The federal agency was made aware some health care providers had administered the full single dose vial of the vaccine, which contains “notably more” volume than the 0.25 mL volume indicated for children aged 6 months to 11 years.
Invasive Histoplasmosis Presenting as Tenosynovitis in an Immunocompromised Patient
November 3rd 2023A patient with a history of lupus nephritis initially presented with right hand and arm symptoms that were attributed to a lupus flare. However, eight months later, the patient experienced increasing pain and edema in his right hand, leading to a diagnosis of Histoplasma tenosynovitis.