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Extracolonic manifestations of Clostridium difficile infections. Presentation of 2 cases and review of the literature. Medicine (Baltimore) 2001; 80:88-101. [PMID: 11307591 DOI: 10.1097/00005792-200103000-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is most commonly associated with colonic infection. It may, however, also cause disease in a variety of other organ systems. Small bowel involvement is often associated with previous surgical procedures on the small intestine and is associated with a significant mortality rate (4 of 7 patients). When associated with bacteremia, the infection is, as expected, frequently polymicrobial in association with usual colonic flora. The mortality rate among patients with C. difficile bacteremia is 2 of 10 reported patients. Visceral abscess formation involves mainly the spleen, with 1 reported case of pancreatic abscess formation. Frequently these abscesses are only recognized weeks to months after the onset of diarrhea or other colonic symptoms. C. difficile-related reactive arthritis is frequently polyarticular in nature and is not related to the patient's underlying HLA-B27 status. Fever is not universally present. The most commonly involved joints are the knee and wrist (involved in 18 of 36 cases). Reactive arthritis begins an average of 11.3 days after the onset of diarrhea and is a prolonged illness, taking an average of 68 days to resolve. Other entities, such as cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis, and prosthetic device infections, can also occur. Localized skin and bone infections frequently follow traumatic injury, implying the implantation of either environmental or the patient's own C. difficile spores with the subsequent development of clinical infection. It is noteworthy that except for cases involving the small intestine and reactive arthritis, most of the cases of extracolonic C. difficile disease do not appear to be strongly related to previous antibiotic exposure. The reason for this is unclear. We hope that clinicians will become more aware of these extracolonic manifestations of infection, so that they may be recognized and treated promptly and appropriately. Such early diagnosis may also serve to prevent extensive and perhaps unnecessary patient evaluations, thus improving resource utilization and shortening length of hospital stay.
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The pitfalls of transthoracic echocardiography. A case of eustachian valve endocarditis. Tex Heart Inst J 2001; 28:57-9. [PMID: 11330744 PMCID: PMC101133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
A case of infective endocarditis involving the vestigial eustachian valve is presented and the available English medical literature is reviewed. Only 5 prior cases have been reported: 4 of those required transesophageal echocardiography for diagnosis, and the other was found at autopsy. This clinical entity is routinely missed on transthoracic echocardiography. Injection drug use is a common predisposing factor, and Staphylococcus aureus is the most commonly identified organism. This report broadens the differential diagnosis of endovascular infections in injection drug users and highlights the importance of transesophageal echocardiography for diagnosis in selected patients.
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Tracing the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Southern blot hybridization using gene-specific probes of mec and Tn554. Microb Drug Resist 2000; 1:307-13. [PMID: 9158801 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.1995.1.307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In a community hospital in Brooklyn, New York, over a 3-year period, 79 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from five different case clusters were subtyped by Southern blot hybridization with two previously characterized gene probes, mec and Tn554. Together, the genotyping enabled the hospital infection control team to differentiate simultaneous MRSA clusters in the surgical intensive care unit (type I:A) and the open heart unit (type II:J), document the spread of one strain (type I:A) between roommates, identify an endemic strain (type II:J) from cardiac monitors and medical personnel, and identify an unrelated outbreak strain (type II:NH) in the labor and delivery unit. On the basis of this investigation it is clear that the routine DNA fingerprinting of MRSA in health care facilities, to monitor their spread and identify cases of nosocomial infections, is an important infection control measure.
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Right-side endocarditis in injection drug users: review of proposed mechanisms of pathogenesis. Clin Infect Dis 2000; 30:374-9. [PMID: 10671344 DOI: 10.1086/313664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Infective endocarditis of the right-side heart valves occurs commonly in injection drug users. Although a variety of hypotheses have been put forward to explain this clinical observation, no single hypothesis is adequate. In this article, basic scientific, clinical, and microbiological data on this topic are presented. It is apparent that no clear unifying mechanism emerges to explain the well-documented clinical predilection for the infection of the right-side heart valves in this population. Further investigation of this topic utilizing large international clinical registries may help to clarify matters further.
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Fatal gastrointestinal mucormycosis that invaded the postoperative abdominal wall wound in an immunocompetent host. Clin Infect Dis 1999; 29:956-7. [PMID: 10589934 DOI: 10.1086/520482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Abstract
This contribution highlights factors involved with maintaining and enhancing antigen delivery or immunogenicity. Areas discussed include the cold chain, adjuvants, recombinant vectors for antigen delivery, routes for antigen delivery, and edible plant vaccines. It is doubtless that the technological understanding that underlies these advances is about to revolutionize vaccinology in the near future.
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Comparative trials of antibiotic regimens: Darwin versus the "bottom line". Crit Care Med 1997; 25:1628-9. [PMID: 9377871 DOI: 10.1097/00003246-199710000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Abstract
Infections of the deep structures of the head and neck are polymicrobial, rapidly progressive, and frequently life-threatening. The bacteriology, clinical presentation, and the need for multidisciplinary management of these infections are stressed. In addition, this article discusses selected head and neck infections of immunocompromised hosts and postexposure prophylaxis for serious infections of the pharynx.
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Fragmentation hemolysis: an unusual indication for valve replacement in native valve infective endocarditis. South Med J 1996; 89:818-20. [PMID: 8701385 DOI: 10.1097/00007611-199608000-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Intravascular mechanical fragmentation of erythrocytes is an uncommon occurrence in native valve infective endocarditis. We report a case of fragmentation hemolysis in a patient with tricuspid valve endocarditis due to Staphylococcus aureus. She received transfusion of multiple units of packed red blood cells and ultimately required surgical removal of the affected valve to control the hemolytic process. We believe this to be only the fifth such reported case and the first in which surgical therapy was necessary to control the hemolytic process.
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Comparative killing kinetics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by bacitracin or mupirocin. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1996; 17:178-80. [PMID: 8708360 DOI: 10.1086/647270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The in vitro activities of bacitracin and mupirocin were compared for seven different strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Six of seven strains showed bacitracin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.5 to 1.0 units/mL, and all seven had mupirocin MICs of 0.5 to 2 micrograms/mL. Time-kill studies revealed 2.6- to 4.5-log reduction in 24 hours with strains susceptible to bacitracin (4 units/mL) and 0 to 2.2 reduction with mupirocin (16 micrograms/mL). Bacitracin should be considered further for in vivo studies because of enhanced bacteriocidal effect and lower cost.
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Abstract
Cocaine-induced cerebral vasculitis is a serious but uncommon clinical entity. We present a case of probable cocaine-induced vasculitis that was unusual in that it was suggested by magnetic resonance angiography. The patient was a 42-year-old woman, who used cocaine both intravenously and intranasally, who was admitted with the acute onset of an illness that resembled bacterial meningitis. Results of the initial standard evaluation were negative, and a diagnosis of cerebral vasculitis was ultimately suggested by magnetic resonance angiography. We believe this to be the first reported case of the diagnosis of cocaine-induced cerebral vasculitis to be suggested by magnetic resonance angiography.
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14
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Fever in patients with neutropenia. N Engl J Med 1993; 329:1279; author reply 1280. [PMID: 8413405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Immune-based therapeutics: scientific rationale and the promising approaches to the treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus-infected individual. Clin Infect Dis 1993; 17:749-71. [PMID: 8268360 DOI: 10.1093/clinids/17.4.749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary approach to therapy for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be centered around antiretroviral agents that have conferred significant clinical benefits. The considerable degree of immunologic dysfunction in HIV infection, however, has led to intense interest in methods of immune stimulation and reconstitution. Immunomodulatory intervention in HIV infection is highly controversial. Over the years a number of immunomodulatory agents--many with only a poor rationale for their clinical use--have been evaluated. In this review we concentrate on immunomodulatory approaches that are currently being investigated. We group these interventions, reviewing the rationale and clinical data for each category: passive immunity (administration of immunoglobulins and use of apheresis), thymic hormone treatment, cytokine treatment (administration of interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, and interferons), adoptive cellular immunity, and therapeutic vaccination. At present, the only interventions supported by data from well-controlled studies are the parenteral administration of interferon alpha to patients with HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma and the administration of pooled immunoglobulin (to decrease the rate of bacterial infections) to children who cannot take trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. However, several other approaches under development show promise in reversing some of the immune deficits of HIV infection. Clinical evaluation of these approaches should yield valuable insights into the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection, and these insights should facilitate the formulation of new modalities of treatment.
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Immunosuppressive effect of zidovudine. Ann Intern Med 1993; 118:571; author reply 572. [PMID: 8442631 DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-118-7-199304010-00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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Abstract
Opportunistic infections are a major cause of morbidity and death among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), particularly late in the disease, when immunosuppression is severe. Some pathogens, such as Pneumocystis carinii and Toxoplasma gondii, are extremely common in this population and are readily recognized by clinicians caring for these patients. However, many other organisms occasionally cause conditions that clinically mimic the more commonly encountered pathogens. Clinicians must be alert to the threat posed by these less frequently occurring organisms and of the broader differential diagnosis that must be considered for infections in patients with HIV infection.
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Abstract
A case of community-acquired infective endocarditis of a native valve that was caused by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus subspecies anitratus is presented. The previously reported cases are reviewed, and therapy for this disorder is discussed. The presence of a transient maculopapular rash involving the palms and soles but sparing the face is suggested as a possible early clinical clue to the diagnosis. Native valve endocarditis caused by Acinetobacter species is an acute, aggressive illness that is more likely to be fatal than the prosthetic valve form; of the previously described patients, five of 15 with native valve endocarditis and one of six with prosthetic valve endocarditis died. In the appropriate clinical setting, we recommend therapy with an antimicrobial agent known to be active against Acinetobacter organisms when blood cultures are reported to yield oxidase-negative, gram-negative coccobacilli until the final identification of the microorganism is known.
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Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus associated with oral aphthous ulcers with inhaled steroids. NEW YORK STATE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 1992; 92:221. [PMID: 1377372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Abstract
Serious infections due to group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) have been reported with increasing frequency in recent years. We report a case of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) due to GABHS pharyngitis in an otherwise healthy 14-year-old boy. The organism was found to produce toxin A. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of streptococcal TSS associated with the production of toxin A that is not associated with an invasive disease and the first case associated with a documented rise in the level of antibody to the streptococcal toxin itself. Clinicians must be especially vigilant for this entity in patients who have streptococcal pharyngitis because early recognition and institution of aggressive supportive therapy can be lifesaving.
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Eradicating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. JAMA 1992; 267:1612. [PMID: 1542164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Abstract
A case of acute hepatitis induced by zidovudine in a 38-year-old patient with AIDS is presented. The mechanism whereby the hepatitis was induced is not known. However, the patient tolerated well an alternative reverse transcriptase inhibitor, 2'3' dideoxyinosine. Physicians caring for patients with AIDS should be aware of this hitherto rarely reported complication.
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Abstract
We are reporting the fortuitous diagnosis of a case of cholera and the unusual failure of the commercial bacteriologic media that led to the unexpected isolation of Vibrio cholerae. The case demonstrates the need for communication between the medical staff and laboratory personnel when an uncommon disease, such as cholera, is suspected. This case also alerts the clinician to the possibility of multiple enteric pathogens coinfecting a traveller.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To demonstrate a novel method of eliminating nasopharyngeal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a debilitated, hospitalized patient. DESIGN Single-patient, nonblind, nonplacebo, case study. SETTING Community hospital, Brooklyn, NY. PATIENT Hospitalized patient with recalcitrant nasopharyngeal MRSA colonization that could not be eliminated by conventional therapeutic interventions. INTERVENTIONS Aerosolized vancomycin hydrochloride 120 mg q6h administered in room air via face mask together with vancomycin nasal drops, 2 drops to each nostril q6h. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Elimination of MRSA from the nasopharynx of the patient. RESULTS Successful elimination of MRSA colonization after four days of therapy. CONCLUSIONS Aerosolized vancomycin in combination with vancomycin nasal drops is beneficial in eliminating nasopharyngeal colonization by MRSA. Clinical trials are warranted to confirm this clinical observation.
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Abstract
Unremitting diarrhea is a common problem in patients with AIDS. We have reported the case of such a patient who was treated with the somatostatin analogue octreotide for chronic diarrhea and who had acute pancreatitis as a consequence of this therapy. We postulate that the possible mechanism for the pathogenesis of this pancreatic damage was octreotide-induced prevention of pancreatic exocrine secretion. We believe this acted as a "physiologic gallstone", inducing an attack of acute pancreatitis.
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Abstract
After drawing blood for culture, medical students and house officers are often taught to change needles before inoculating the culture media. Data to support this practice have been scarce. We obtained simultaneous blood cultures on 75 hospital patients using two techniques: changing needles (C) or not changing needles (NC) before inoculating the cultures. Positive cultures judged to be contaminants were obtained in 4/75 patients in the NC group (5.3%) and in 1/75 patients in the C group (1.3%). This difference was not statistically significant. The practice of changing needles after drawing blood for culture may not be necessary, thus reducing the risk of needlestick injury.
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30
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Group A streptococcal meningitis complicating varicella. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1991; 10:786-7. [PMID: 1945585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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31
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Neuroleptic malignant syndrome possibly caused by molindone hydrochloride. DICP : THE ANNALS OF PHARMACOTHERAPY 1991; 25:1071-2. [PMID: 1803792 DOI: 10.1177/106002809102501008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The case of a patient who developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) on three separate occasions is presented. Her third bout of this syndrome possibly was caused by molindone hydrochloride. This medication has been reported only once previously to cause NMS. The pharmacology of molindone is reviewed and a complicating factor in this case--the recent onset of hypothyroidism--is discussed together with its implication in the development of the clinical manifestations of this syndrome.
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Haemophilus parainfluenzae endocarditis treated with vegetectomy and complicated by late, fatal splenic rupture. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1991; 10:778-81. [PMID: 1945581 DOI: 10.1097/00006454-199110000-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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33
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Enterococcus faecium with high-level resistance to gentamicin. Lancet 1991; 338:762-3. [PMID: 1679899 DOI: 10.1016/0140-6736(91)91488-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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34
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Incidence of high-level gentamicin resistance among enterococci isolated from blood cultures in a community hospital in New York. NEW YORK STATE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 1991; 91:321. [PMID: 1876323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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35
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Pericarditis due to Bacillus cereus in an intravenous drug user. REVIEWS OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES 1991; 13:774. [PMID: 1925304 DOI: 10.1093/clinids/13.4.774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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36
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Abstract
A case of severe hypomagnesemia in a patient with AIDS that manifested as changes in mental status is presented. The hypomagnesemia was due to renal wasting of magnesium, most probably caused by pentamidine-induced renal tubular injury. This entity has been reported once before and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of altered mental status in patients with AIDS.
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Abstract
The emergency physician often has to deal with infectious disease emergencies. The authors have seen four cases of retropharyngeal infection of potentially life-threatening severity in less than 1 year, all were admitted through the emergency department (ED). Reporting these cases is important to increase awareness among emergency physicians of this classic disease entity. The characteristics of the patients are discussed including initial diagnostic approaches and the use of computed tomography (CT) scanning of the neck and mediastinum. One case of retropharyngeal space infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis serotype W-135 is described. This is the first such reported case. The recommendations are that, in the absence of overt focal infection, a non-surgical approach to the treatment of these patients is indicated. This should include suitable neck roentgenograms, CT scanning, and high-dose, intravenous, beta-lactamase-resistant antibiotics.
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Massive hepatic enlargement with fatty change associated with ketoconazole. DICP : THE ANNALS OF PHARMACOTHERAPY 1990; 24:1175-6. [PMID: 2089825 DOI: 10.1177/106002809002401206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Several forms of hepatic toxicity have been described with the antifungal agent ketoconazole. We report a case of massive liver enlargement with fatty infiltration presenting as gastric compression. This occurred in a young woman with AIDS taking ketoconazole as maintenance therapy for cryptococcal meningitis. This is the first reported case of ketoconazole causing fatty change in the liver.
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Appropriate prophylaxis for TMJ prostheses. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1990; 48:667-8. [PMID: 2393413 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-2391(10)80496-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Toxic dilation and amebiasis. Am J Gastroenterol 1988; 83:206-7. [PMID: 3341350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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