Month: March 1999
The emergence of decreased susceptibility to vancomycin in Staphylococcus epidermidis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are the major cause of nosocomial bloodstream infection. Emergence of vancomycin resistance among CNS is a serious public health concern, because CNS usually are multidrug-resistant, and glycopeptide antibiotics, among which only vancomycin is available in the United States, are the only remaining effective therapy.… Read more
The prevalence of colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus at a Veterans’ Affairs institution
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To study vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) prevalence, risk factors, and clustering among hospital inpatients.
DESIGN: Rectal-swab prevalence culture survey conducted from February 5 to March 22, 1996.
SETTING: The Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia.
PATIENTS: Hospital (medical and surgical) inpatients.… Read more
Surgical-site complications associated with a morphine nerve paste used for postoperative pain control after laminectomy
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors that might explain a sudden increase in the rate of surgical-site complications following laminectomy.
DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.
PATIENTS AND SETTING: Patients who underwent laminectomy at a 120-bed hospital from August 1 through October 15, 1996 (the epidemic period).… Read more