Pitfalls in the care of patients with tuberculosis: common errors and their association with the acquisition of drug resistance
Article Abstract:
The treatment of patients with tuberculosis needs to be managed carefully to prevent the development of acquired drug resistance. Acquired drug resistance is becoming more common among different strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the microorganism that causes tuberculosis. A study examined the treatment of 35 tuberculosis patients who were referred for treatment between 1989 and 1990. Errors were found in the treatment decisions made for 28 patients, and an average of four errors were made per patient. One of the most common errors was failure to identify preexisting or acquired drug resistance. Patients who developed error-associated multidrug resistance often required lengthy hospitalizations and treatment with toxic drugs. They also required different types of high-risk surgery. The average cost of treating these patients was almost $200,000 per patient.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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Interim guidelines for prevention and control of Staphylococcal infection associated with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin
Article Abstract:
Guidelines for preventing and controlling vancomycin resistance in hospital-acquired staphylococcal infections are included. Staphylococci are the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections and many strains are resistant to all antibiotics except vancomycin. In May, 1996, a Japanese hospital patient was infected with a strain of Staphylococcus that was not completely susceptible to vancomycin. So far, there have been no such reports in the US. Reducing the inappropriate use of vancomycin is the most important way to prevent vancomycin resistance.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Effect of Short-Course, High-Dose Amoxicillin Therapy on Resistant Pneumococcal Carriage: A Randomized Trial
Article Abstract:
Giving children with a respiratory tract infection high doses of antibiotics for a short time may prevent the bacteria that cause the infection from becoming resistant to antibiotics. This is important because the bacteria often live inside the nose without causing infection, a condition called the carrier state. But it can still be transmitted to other people.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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