Systemic Antibiotics (systemic + antibiotics)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Comparison of efficacy of azithromycin vs. doxycycline in the treatment of rosacea: a randomized open clinical trial

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2008
Maryam Akhyani MD
Background, Rosacea is a common inflammatory disorder of the skin. Systemic antibiotics currently used in the treatment of rosacea are sometimes associated with uncomfortable side effects. Therefore, a need for an effective agent with few side effects and good patient compliance exists. Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic with prolonged mode of action, has recently been found to be an effective alternative in the treatment of inflammatory acne. Methods, For evaluation of the efficacy of azithromycin in the treatment of rosacea, we planned a randomized, open, clinical trial study to compare the efficacy of azithromycin with doxycycline in the treatment of this disease. Sixty-seven patients were randomized to receive either azithromycin 500 mg thrice weekly (on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday) in the first, 250 mg thrice weekly (on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday) in the second, and 250 mg twice weekly (on Tuesday, and Saturday) in the third month. The other group was given doxycycline 100 mg/day for the three months. Clinical assessment was made at baseline, at the end of first, second, third, and 2 months after treatment. Side affects were recorded. The limitation of this study is that there was no blindness. Results, Statistically significant improvement was obtained with both drugs. Neither drug was shown to be more effective than the other. In the azithromycin group four patients had diarrhea, while epigastric burning was seen in two patients using doxycycline. Conclusion, This study indicates that azithromycin is at least as effective as doxycycline in the treatment of rosacea. [source]


Antimicrobial therapy in Dermatology

JOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 1 2006
Cord Sunderkötter
Antiseptika; Antibiotika; ,-Laktam-Resistenz; Weichteilinfektion Summary The extensive and sometimes indiscriminate use of antibiotics sometimes without strict indications has led to increases in both bacterial resistance and sensitization of patients. Systemic antibiotics in skin infections are indicated when a severe local infection occurs which spreads into the surrounding tissue or when there are signs of systemic infection. There are special indications in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease,diabetes or immunosuppression. Topical use of antibiotics should be abandoned and replaced by antiseptics. The ,-lactam antibiotics are the antibiotics of first choice for many skin infections. They are usually effective, have a well-defined profile of adverse events and most are affordable. Penicillin G or V are the first line treatment for erysipelas. Infections with Staphylococcus aureus are usually treated with isoxazolyl penicillins or second generation cephalosporins. In mixed infections in patients with diabetes or peripheral arterial occlusive disease,the treatment of choice is metronidazole plus ,-lactam-/,-lactamase inhibitor antibiotics, but quinolones or second generation cephalosporins can also be used, once again with metronidazole. The aim of this review is to define the indications for antibiotics in dermatology, to highlight their modes of action and adverse effects and to make suggestions for rational antibiotic therapy in cutaneous infections frequently encountered in the practice of dermatology. Zusammenfassung Der bisweilen unkritische Einsatz von Antibiotika hat die Resistenzentwicklung beschleunigt und die Sensibilisierungsrate bei Patienten erhöht. Systemische Antibiotika sind bei kutanen Superinfektionen in der Regel dann indiziert, wenn eine schwere lokale Infektion mit Ausbreitung in das umgebende Gewebe vorliegt oder wenn sich gleichzeitig Zeichen einer systemischen Infektion einstellen. Bei peripherer arterieller Verschlusskrankheit, Diabetes mellitus oder Immunsuppression kann die Indikation auch früher gestellt werden. Lokale Antibiotika sollten in der Regel gemieden und durch moderne Antiseptika ersetzt werden. ,-Laktam-Antibiotika stellen für viele bakterielle Infektionserkrankungen in der ambulanten und klinischen Dermatologie die Antibiotika der ersten Wahl dar. Sie sind häufig ausreichend wirksam, besitzen ein gut definiertes Nebenwir-kungsprofil und sind zumeist preisgünstig. So wird das klassische Streptokokken-Erysipel mit Penicillin G oder V therapiert, bei Infektionen durch S. aureus kommen primär Isoxazolyl-Penicilline oder Zweit-Generations-Cephalosporine zum Einsatz. Im Falle von Mischinfektionen bei Diabetes mellitus oder pAVK sind ,-Laktam/,-Laktamaseinhibitoren indiziert, alternativ auch Chinolone oder Zweitgenerations-Cephalosporine, jeweils in Kombination mit Metronidazol. Diese Übersicht möchte die Indikationen für Antibiotika in der Dermatologie aufzeigen, das Wichtigste zu deren Wirkungsweise und Nebenwirkungen aufzählen und Therapievorschläge für häufige Infektionen der Haut in der dermatologischen Praxis geben. [source]


Systemic antibiotics: to use or not to use in the treatment of periodontal infections.

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 5 2006
That is the question
[source]


Review article: rifaximin, a minimally absorbed oral antibacterial, for the treatment of travellers' diarrhoea

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 11 2010
P. LAYER
Aliment Pharmacol Ther,31, 1155,1164 Summary Background, Travellers' diarrhoea, a common problem worldwide with significant medical impact, is generally treated with anti-diarrhoeal agents and fluid replacement. Systemic antibiotics are also used in selected cases, but these may be associated with adverse effects, bacterial resistance and drug,drug interactions. Aim, To review the clinical evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of the minimally absorbed oral antibiotic rifaximin in travellers' diarrhoea. Methods, PubMed and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Clinical Trials (to January 2010) and International Society of Travel Medicine congress abstracts (2003,2009) were searched to identify relevant publications. Results, A total of 10 publications were included in the analysis. When administered three times daily for 3 days, rifaximin is superior to placebo or loperamide; it is at least as effective as ciprofloxacin in reducing duration of illness and restoring wellbeing in patients with travellers' diarrhoea, both with and without identification of a pathogen, as well as in diarrhoea caused by Escherichia coli infection. Rifaximin demonstrates only minimal potential for development of bacterial resistance and for cytochrome P450-mediated drug,drug interactions, and its tolerability profile is similar to that of placebo. Conclusion, When antibiotic therapy is warranted in uncomplicated travellers' diarrhoea, rifaximin may be considered as a first-line treatment option because of its favourable efficacy, tolerability and safety profiles. [source]


Systemic antibiotics in periodontal therapy

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 2009
LJA Heitz-Mayfield
Abstract Periodontitis is a biofilm infection with a mixed microbial aetiology. Periodontitis is generally treated by non-surgical mechanical debridement and regular periodontal maintenance care. Periodontal surgery may be indicated for some patients to improve access to the root surface for mechanical debridement. A range of systemic antibiotics for treatment of periodontitis has been documented, with some studies showing superior clinical outcomes following adjunctive antibiotics while others do not. This has resulted in controversy as to the role of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Recent systematic reviews have provided an evidence-based assessment of the possible benefits of adjunctive antibiotics in periodontal therapy. This review aims to provide an update on clinical issues of when and how to prescribe systemic antibiotics in periodontal therapy. [source]


Topical antibiotics: therapeutic value or ecologic mischief?

DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 5 2009
James Q. Del Rosso
ABSTRACT Based on antibiotic prescribing data from 2003, dermatologists account annually for 8,9 million prescriptions for oral antibiotics, and 3,4 million prescriptions for topical antibiotics. Overall, much of the emphasis on concerns related to emergence of clinically significant antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains focuses on use of systemic antibiotics, however, topical antibiotic use may also have potential implications. The following article discusses the perspectives of the authors related to the potential therapeutic benefits and ecologic implications ("ecologic mischief") of topical antibiotic therapy for specific indications encountered in ambulatory dermatology practice. [source]


The use of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of chronic wounds

DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 6 2006
Robert Hernandez
ABSTRACT:, The role of microorganisms in the etiology and persistence of chronic wounds remains poorly understood. The chronic wound bed houses a complex microenvironment that typically includes more than one bacterial species. Difficulty lies in determining when the presence of bacteria impedes wound healing, thereby warranting intervention. Indications for antibiotic therapy and optimal treatment regimens are ill defined. The goal of this article is to describe the appropriate role of systemic antibiotics in the management of chronic wounds. A common sense approach will be offered based on six clinically pertinent questions: ,,Is infection present? ,,Are systemic antibiotics necessary? ,,Should treatment be enteral or parenteral? ,,What antibiotic or combination of antibiotics should be used? ,,What should be the duration of therapy? ,,What special circumstances are present (i.e., concomitant illnesses, potential drug,drug interactions) that can impact therapy? [source]


Diabetic foot osteomyelitis: a progress report on diagnosis and a systematic review of treatment,

DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue S1 2008
A. R. Berendt
Abstract The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot appointed an expert panel to provide evidence-based guidance on the management of osteomyelitis in the diabetic foot. Initially, the panel formulated a consensus scheme for the diagnosis of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) for research purposes, and undertook a systematic review of the evidence relating to treatment. The consensus diagnostic scheme was based on expert opinion; the systematic review was based on a search for reports of the effectiveness of treatment for DFO published prior to December 2006. The panel reached consensus on a proposed scheme that assesses the probability of DFO, based on clinical findings and the results of imaging and laboratory investigations. The literature review identified 1168 papers, 19 of which fulfilled criteria for detailed data extraction. No significant differences in outcome were associated with any particular treatment strategy. There was no evidence that surgical debridement of the infected bone is routinely necessary. Culture and sensitivity of isolates from bone biopsy may assist in selecting properly targeted antibiotic regimens, but empirical regimens should include agents active against staphylococci, administered either intravenously or orally (with a highly bioavailable agent). There are no data to support the superiority of any particular route of delivery of systemic antibiotics or to inform the optimal duration of antibiotic therapy. No available evidence supports the use of any adjunctive therapies, such as hyperbaric oxygen, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor or larvae. We have proposed a scheme for diagnosing DFO for research purposes. Data to inform treatment choices in DFO are limited, and further research is urgently needed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Dental follicle infection following a dog bite

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 2 2006
G. WRIGHT
Summary. Animal bite wounds and their subsequent infection are relatively common. Incidence rates for dog bites are significantly higher among children aged 0,9 years, especially among boys. Although bite wounds may initially look innocuous, they frequently lead to serious infection with a potential for life-threatening complications. The microbiology of dog bite wounds is usually polymicrobial, typically including anaerobes, Staphylococcus aureus and Pasteurella species. A case is described of a 22-month-old boy who, subsequent to a dog bite over the left maxilla, suffered infection of the dental follicle of the primary maxillary canine with Pasteurella multocida. The infection proved difficult to treat, requiring several attempts at incision and drainage of the abscess together with systemic antibiotics, and resulted in the eventual loss of the tooth. [source]


Incomplete adherence to an adjunctive systemic antibiotic regimen decreases clinical outcomes in generalized aggressive periodontitis patients: a pilot retrospective study

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 10 2007
Adrian Guerrero
Abstract Aim: The objective of this study was to explore the effect of incomplete adherence to the prescribed antibiotic regimen, amoxicillin and metronidazole, in the non-surgical treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP). Methods: This retrospective study included 18 GAP subjects who received a conventional course of full-mouth non-surgical periodontal treatment using machine-driven and hand instruments and an adjunctive course of systemic antibiotics (500 mg amoxicillin and 500 mg metronidazole three times a day for 7 days). Clinical parameters were collected at baseline and at 2 months post-treatment. Self-reported adherence to the prescribed medication regimen was recorded at 2 months. Results: All clinical parameters, except for the mean clinical attachment level (CAL) in sites with initial probing pocket depth (PPD) 3 mm, improved at 2 months in all subjects. PPD reduction was 3.7 mm [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.2, 4.3 mm] in deep pockets (7 mm) and 2.2 mm (95% CI 1.9, 2.4 mm) in moderate pockets (4,6 mm), while CAL gain was 2.2 mm (95% CI 1.7, 2.6 mm) and 1.2 mm (95% CI 0.8, 1.5 mm), respectively. However, only 11 subjects (61.1%) reported full adherence to the medication. In deep pockets (7 mm), the difference between an adherent and non-adherent/partially adherent subject was 0.9 mm (95% CI 0.1, 1.7 mm, ancova, p=0.027) in PPD reduction and 0.8 mm (95% CI ,0.2, 1.9, p=0.129) in CAL gain at 2 months. In moderate pockets (4,6 mm) this difference was smaller in magnitude: 0.4 mm (95% CI 0.1, 0.9 mm, p=0.036) in PPD reduction and 0.2 mm (95% CI ,0.3, 0.9 mm, p=0.332) in CAL gain. Conclusions: Within the limits of this design, these data suggest that incomplete adherence to a 7-day adjunctive course of systemic metronidazole and amoxicillin is associated with decreased clinical outcomes in subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis. [source]


Generalized cervical root resorption associated with periodontal disease

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 11 2001
Wouter Beertsen
Abstract Background and description of case: The etiology and pathogenesis of generalized cervical root resorptions is not well understood. In the present report, a case of severe cervical root resorption involving 24 anterior and posterior teeth is presented. The lesions developed within a period of 2 years after the patient had changed to an acid-enriched diet. They extended far into the coronal dentin and were associated with gingival inflammation and crestal bone resorption. However, no generalized clinical attachment loss had occurred. Culturing of subgingival plaque revealed the presence of several putative periodontal pathogens among which Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Treatment consisted of mechanical debridement supported by systemic antibiotics (amoxycillin plus metronidazole) and dietary advice. Results: Within 1 year after the onset of treatment, all resorptive lesions had repaired by ingrowth of a radio-opaque mineralized tissue. The crestal areas showed radiological evidence of bone repair. 3 years after the onset of therapy, one premolar was extracted and examined histologically. It appeared that irregularly-shaped masses of woven bone-like tissue had invaded into the domain of the resorbed coronal dentin and were bordered by thin layers of acellular cementum. Conclusion: It is concluded that, in this patient, the cervical resorptions were likely the result of an osteoclastic response extending into the roots because the root-protective role of the junctional epithelium did not develop. We hypothesize that this was due to the combined effects of a periodontopathogenic microflora and a dietary confounding factor. Zusammenfassung Hintergrund und Beschreibung des Falls: Die Ätiologie und die Pathogenese der generalisierten Wurzelresorptionen ist nicht besonders bekannt. In der vorliegenden Fallpräsentation wird ein schwerer Fall von Wurzelresorption gezeigt, die 24 anteriore und posteriore Zähne einbezog. Die Läsionen entwickelten sich innerhalb einer Periode von 2 Jahren, nachdem der Patient zu einer Säure-angereicherten Diät gewechselt hatte. Die Läsionen dehnten sich in das koronale Dentin aus und waren mit gingivaler Entzündung und krestaler Knochenresorption verbunden. Jedoch wurde kein generalisierter Attachmentverlust beobachtet. Die Kultur der subgingivalen Plaque erbrachte das Vorhandensein von verschiedenen putativen parodontalen Pathogenen, unter ihnen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans und Porphyromonas gingivalis. Die Behandlung bestand in der mechanischen Reinigung unterstützt mit systemischen Antibiotika (Amoxicillin und Metronidazol) und Diätanweisungen. Ergebnisse: Innerhalb eines Jahres nach dem Beginn der Therapie waren alle Resorptionsläsionen repariert durch das Einwachsen von röntgenopakem mineralisierten Gewebe. Die krestalen Regionen zeigten radiologisch nachgewiesene Knochenreparatur. 3 Jahre nach Therapiebeginn wurde ein Prämolar extrahiert und histologisch untersucht. Es schien, daß irreguläre geformte Massen von verflochtenem knochen-ähnlichen Gewebe in den Hauptteil des resorbierten koronalen Dentins hineingelangt sind und von dünnen Schichten azellulären Zementes begrenzt wurden. Zusammenfassung: Es wird geschlußfolgert, daß bei diesem Patient die zervikalen Resorptionen wahrscheinlich das Ergebnis einer osteoklastischen Reaktion waren, bis in die Wurzeln ausgedehnt, weil sich die wurzelschützende Rolle des Verbindungsepithels nich entwickelt hatte. Wir nehmen an, daß dies in der Folge eines kombinierten Effektes von parodontopathogenen Keimen und eines verwirrenden diätetischen Faktors geschah. Résumé Origine: L'étiologie et la pathogenèse des résorptions radiculaires cervicales généralisées ne sont pas suffisamment connues. Dans le rapport présent, un cas de résorption radiculaire cervicale sévère se rapportant à 24 dents antérieures et postérieures est présenté. Les lésions s'étaint développées durant les 2 années qui ont suivi le changement de régime alimentaire du patient vers un régime plus acide. Elles s'étendaient profondément dans la dentine coronaire et étaient associées à une inflammation gingivale et une résorption osseuse crestale. Cependant, aucune perte d'attache clinique généralisée n'est apparue. La culture de la plaque dentaire sous-gingivale a révélé la présence de plusieurs pathogènes parodontaux putatifs parmi lesquels l'Actinobaccilus actinomycetemcomitans et le Porphyromonas gingivalis. Le traitement a consisté en un nettoyage mécanique associéà l'utilisation d'antibiotiques par voie systémique (amoxycilline + métronidazole) et un conseil diététique. Résultats. Dans l'année qui a suivi ce traitement, toutes les lésions de résorption ont été guéries par la croissance d'un tissu minéralisé radio-opaque. Les zones crestales montraient une évidence radiologique de réparation osseuse. 3 ans après le démarrage de ce traitement, une prémolaire a été avulsée et examinée histologiquement. Il est apparu que des masses de formes irrégulières de tissus ressemblant à de l'os ouaté avaient envahi le domaine de dentine coronaire résorbé et étaient entourées par de fines couches de cément acellulaire. Conclusions: Chez ce patient, les résorptions cervicales étaient vraisemblablement dûes à une réponse ostéoclastique s'étendant dans les racines parce que le rôle de protection radiculaire de l'épithélium de jonction ne s'étaient pas développé. Cette situation était vraisemblablement dûe à des effets combinés de la microflore parodonto-pathogène et d'un facteur diététique. [source]


Antimicrobial resistance in the subgingival microflora in patients with adult periodontitis

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 2 2000
A comparison between The Netherlands, Spain
Abstract Background: The widespread use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial infections has lead to the emergence of resistant human pathogens. Great differences have been documented between European countries in the use of systemic antibiotics. In parallel, significant differences in levels of resistant pathogens have been documented. Aim: To investigate whether differences in antibiotic use influence the level of antimicrobial resistance of the subgingival microflora of untreated patients with adult periodontitis in The Netherlands and Spain. Method: Blood agar plates containing breakpoint concentrations of penicillin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin and clavunalate, metronidazole, erythromycin, azithromycin, clindamycin and tetracycline were used to determine the proportion of bacteria from the subgingival plaque that was resistant to these antibiotics. In the Spanish patients, statistically significant higher mean levels of resistance were found for penicillin, amoxicillin, metronidazole, clindamycin and tetracycline. The mean number of different bacterial species growing on the selective plates was higher in the Spanish patients, as was the % of resistant strains of most periodontal pathogens. A striking difference was observed in the frequency of occurrence of tetracycline-resistant periodontal pathogens. In Spain, 5 patients had 3 tetracycline resistant periodontal pathogens, whereas this was not observed in any of the Dutch patients. Conclusions: The widespread use of antibiotics in Spain is reflected in the level of resistance of the subgingival microflora of adult patients with periodontitis. [source]


Ototoxic eardrops and tympanic membrane perforations: Time for a change?

JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 8 2005
Harvey Coates
Abstract: Until recently the only available antibiotic eardrops for treatment of the discharging middle ear and mastoid cavity have been potentially ototoxic. With the advent of non-ototoxic fluoroquinolone eardrops, consensus panels in the USA, Canada and the UK have advocated the preferential use of these agents in the open middle ear. However, in Australia, no fluoroquinolone topical agent is approved for use with tympanic membrane perforations, and when used as an ,off label' eardrop, none is on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This creates an ethical dilemma, particularly with best practice management of chronic suppurative otitis media in indigenous children. Despite concerns regarding resistance issues with ototopical use of systemic antibiotics, bacterial resistance has not been documented in major studies. For equity and ethical reasons, Australian regulatory authorities should consider approving a sterile non-ototoxic eardrop for use in the open middle ear. [source]


US3 Allergy in dental practice

ORAL DISEASES, Issue 2006
D Bio, ina-Lukenda
Allergy reactions of the oral mucosa comprise an array of clinical manifestations, some of them difficult to differentiate from toxic reactions. Type-I reactions are most frequently seen related to application of polymers in the oral cavity, such as orthodontic bonding and fissure sealant materials. There may also be systemic manifestations such as urticaria. Type-IV reactions may be seen related to most dental materials used, from amalgam and gold to polymers. These reactions appear as chronic reddening and/or ulceration of the oral mucosa. Lichenoid reactions have histopathological characteristics compatible with type-IV allergy reactions and are the most prevalent material-adverse reactions seen in the oral cavity. Recent advances have been made in characterizing the more prevalent allergens on oral mucosa, such as methacrylates, natural rubber latex (NRL) proteins, rubber glove chemicals and disinfectants. This improved understanding has clearly enhanced the success, particularly for type I NRL allergies. Skin patch tests, applying a series of dental materials in non-toxic concentrations on the skin, have been used to identify sensitization. However, the value of those tests can be questioned. Although obvious advances have been made in characterizing dental allergens and understanding potential exposure, improved diagnostic and management techniques are still needed. Corticosteroid therapy is all too often the only treatment. Drug allergy including local anaesthetics, and systemic antibiotics and NSAIDs, may also present in the dental environment, causing life-threatening emergencies specially in 'at risk patients'. The GDP has to know the principles of prevention, diagnosis and management of these situations. [source]


MULTIDISCIPLINARY PAIN ABSTRACTS: 48

PAIN PRACTICE, Issue 1 2004
Article first published online: 15 MAR 200
The goals of this study were to establish the frequency of palliative and aggressive treatment measures among patients with and without dementia during the last 6 months of life, to identify relationships between the severity of dementia and aggressive and palliative care, and to determine whether treatment patterns have changed over time. Antemortem data for 279 patients with dementia and 24 control patients who were brought for autopsy in chronic care facilities between 1985 and 2000 were reviewed. The severity of dementia was defined by scores on the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. Data on use of systemic antibiotics (designated as an aggressive treatment measure) and on use of narcotic and nonnarcotic pain medications and nasal oxygen (defined as palliative measures) were collected from medical charts. Fifty-three percent of the patients with dementia and 46% of those without dementia had received systemic antibiotics. Fourteen percent of the patients with dementia and 38% of those without dementia had received narcotic pain medications. The prevalence of aggressive and palliative measures did not vary significantly with the severity of dementia. Eleven percent of the patients with dementia who died between 1991 and 1995 and 18% of those who died between 1996 and 2000 had received narcotic pain medications in the last 6 months of their lives. It was concluded that the use of systemic antibiotics is prevalent in the treatment of patients with end-stage dementia, despite the limited utility and discomfort associated with the use of these agents. Patients with severe dementia and those with milder cognitive impairment received similar treatment may be contrary to good clinical practice, given the poor prognosis of patients with severe dementia. [source]


Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne inversa): Management of a Recalcitrant Disease

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
Joseph Lam M.D.
Topical and systemic antibiotics, hormonal therapies, oral retinoids, immunosuppressant agents, and surgical treatment are some of the therapeutic alternatives used for this often recalcitrant and frequently troublesome disorder. This article reviews the pathophysiology of hidradenitis suppurativa, an evidence-based analysis of standard treatments, and recent advances in the therapy of this disorder. [source]


Antibiotics in Dutch general practice: nationwide electronic GP database and national reimbursement rates,

PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 4 2008
Annemiek E. Akkerman PhD
Abstract Purpose In order to assess whether different databases generate information which can be reliable compared with each other, this study aimed to assess to which degree prescribing rates for systemic antibiotics from a nationwide electronic general practitioner (GP) database correspond with national reimbursement rates, and to investigate for which indications antibiotics are prescribed. Methods Nationwide GP prescribing data were collected from the Second Dutch National Survey of General Practice (DNSGP-2) based on 90 general practices serving 358 008 patients in 2001. Dutch national reimbursement rates for GPs were derived from claims data of the Dutch Drug Information System/Health Care Insurance Board (GIP/CVZ) from 2001. We calculated antibiotic prescribing rates per 1000 patients/inhabitants for each database, and these rates were compared for the total rates and according to antibiotic subgroups. Indications for which GPs prescribed antibiotics were described. Results In national reimbursement data, 339 antibiotic prescriptions per 1000 inhabitants were prescribed by GPs, while the nationwide GP database showed 255 prescriptions per 1000 patients (75% coverage with reimbursement rates). The nationwide GP database showed high volumes of sulphonamides & trimethoprim, and small volumes of macrolides and quinolones. Half of the prescriptions (48%) were prescribed for respiratory diseases, a quarter (26%) for urinary diseases and 7% for ear diseases. Conclusions GPs voluntarily participating in a research network prescribe less antibiotics than Dutch GPs in general, and are cautious in prescribing newer and more broad-spectrum antibiotics. This point has to be taken into account when databases will be compared with each other. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Antibiotic use in five children's hospitals during 2002,2006: the impact of antibiotic guidelines issued by the Chinese Ministry of Health,

PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 3 2008
Wenshuang Zhang
Abstract Purpose To investigate the pattern of antibiotic use in five Chinese children's hospitals from 2002 to 2006. To see if the Guidelines to encourage rational use of antibiotics issued by the Ministry of Health in October 2004 have any impact on the use. Methods The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification/Defined Daily Doses (ATC/DDD) methodology was used. Aggregate data on antibiotic use (ATC code-J01) were expressed in numbers of DDD/100 bed-days for inpatients. Results Total 56 different substances of systemic antibiotics were used. The overall consumption of antibiotic drugs was 68.2, 58.4, 65.8, 65.6 and 49.9 DDD/100 bed-days for the years 2002,2006, respectively. The top antibiotics used were third-generation cephalosporins. There was considerable variation in both type and amount of antibiotics used in the five hospitals. In 2002, some hospitals had twice the antibiotic use compared to others. While the overall antibiotic use in 2005 was largely unchanged compared with previous years, by 2006 antibiotic use had decreased by 22.6% and the variation in use between hospitals was also reduced. Conclusions The ATC/DDD methodology proved useful for studying overall antibiotic usage in children's hospitals. The decline in antibiotic usage found in 2006 (and the reduced variation between hospitals) may be attributed to the impact of the Ministry of Health guidelines which took some time to be promulgated to individual staff members. Further research will focus on compliance of antibiotic use in these five hospitals with particular guideline recommendations for specific clinical problems such as bacterial resistance and surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Clinical and Subclinical Endometritis in the Mare: Both Threats to Fertility

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 2009
MM LeBlanc
Contents Endometritis, a major cause of mare infertility arising from failure to remove bacteria, spermatozoa and inflammatory exudate post-breeding, is often undiagnosed. Defects in genital anatomy, myometrial contractions, lymphatic drainage, mucociliary clearance, cervical function, plus vascular degeneration and inflamm-ageing underlie susceptibility to endometritis. Diagnosis is made through detecting uterine fluid, vaginitis, vaginal discharge, short inter-oestrous intervals, inflammatory uterine cytology and positive uterine culture. However, these signs may be absent in subclinical cases. Hypersecretion of an irritating, watery, neutrophilic exudate underlies classic, easy-to-detect streptococcal endometritis. In contrast, biofilm production, tenacious exudate and focal infection may characterize subclinical endometritis, commonly caused by Gram-negative organisms, fungi and staphylococci. Signs of subclinical endometritis include excessive oedema post-mating and a white line between endometrial folds on ultrasound. In addition, cultures of uterine biopsy tissue or of small volume uterine lavage are twice as sensitive as guarded swabs in detecting Gram-negative organisms, while uterine cytology is twice as sensitive as culture in detecting endometritis. Uterine biopsy may detect deep inflammatory and degenerative changes, such as disruption of the elastic fibres of uterine vessels (elastosis), while endoscopy reveals focal lesions invisible on ultrasound. Mares with subclinical endometritis require careful monitoring by ultrasound post-breeding. Treatments that may be added to traditional therapies, such as post-breeding uterine lavage, oxytocin and intrauterine antibiotics, include lavage 1-h before mating, carbetocin, cloprostenol, cervical dilators, systemic antibiotics, intrauterine chelators (EDTA,Tris), mucolytics (DMSO, kerosene, N -acetylcysteine), corticosteroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone) and immunomodulators (cell wall extracts of Mycobacterium phlei and Propionibacterium acnes). [source]


Systemic antibiotics in periodontal therapy

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 2009
LJA Heitz-Mayfield
Abstract Periodontitis is a biofilm infection with a mixed microbial aetiology. Periodontitis is generally treated by non-surgical mechanical debridement and regular periodontal maintenance care. Periodontal surgery may be indicated for some patients to improve access to the root surface for mechanical debridement. A range of systemic antibiotics for treatment of periodontitis has been documented, with some studies showing superior clinical outcomes following adjunctive antibiotics while others do not. This has resulted in controversy as to the role of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Recent systematic reviews have provided an evidence-based assessment of the possible benefits of adjunctive antibiotics in periodontal therapy. This review aims to provide an update on clinical issues of when and how to prescribe systemic antibiotics in periodontal therapy. [source]


Antibiotic usage, dosage and course length in children between 0 and 4 years

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 7 2009
Josta De Jong
Abstract Aim:, Antibiotic drugs are most frequently used by 0- to 4-year-old children. We performed a cross-sectional study in the Netherlands using a pharmacy prescription database to investigate the use, dose and course length of antibiotic drugs in 0- to 4-year-olds. Methods:, We used a database with pharmacy drug-dispensing data. We investigated all prescriptions of systemic antibiotics prescribed in the years 2002,2006 for children of 0,4 years of age. Prescriptions for children under the age of 3 months were excluded. Results:, Children of 9,12 months of age received more antibiotics than children in other age groups. In the 3- to 6-month-olds, amoxicillin was prescribed in 75.2% of the cases. This percentage was 50.4% in the 4-year-olds. The contribution of other broad-spectrum antibiotics increased with age (clarithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid). Small-spectrum penicillins were prescribed less often than the broad-spectrum antibiotics. From the prescriptions of the five most used drugs, 97.6% were within the recommended dose range. Most course lengths corresponded with the guidelines. Of the prescriptions, 3.9% were unlicensed or off-label. Conclusion:, Within the group of 0- to 4-year-old children, most antibiotics were used by 9- to 12-month-olds. The doses and course lengths were mostly correct, but the choice of antibiotics was not according to the guidelines. Young children received unlicensed and off-label prescribed antibiotics. [source]