Methods for decreasing antibiotic use in otitis media.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J V Hirschmann.
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Exogenous lipoid pneumonia is an uncommon condition resulting from aspirating or inhaling fatlike material, such as mineral oil found in laxatives and various aerosolized industrial materials. These substances elicit a foreign body reaction and proliferative fibrosis in the lung. Because symptoms are absent or nonspecific and the roentgenographic findings simulate other diseases, exogenous lipoid pneumonia is often unrecognized. Yet, appropriate historical inquiries and simple laboratory tests can lead to the correct diagnosis, removal of the offending agent, and, potentially, improvement in lung function before serious complications develop.
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This discussion was selected from the weekly Grand Rounds in the Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle. Taken from a transcription, it has been edited by Jonathan G. Drachman, MD, Chief Medical Resident; Henry Rosen, MD, Professor and Associate Chair; and Paul G. Ramsey, MD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine.
BACKGROUND: The superior vena cava syndrome occurs when extrinsic compression or intraluminal occlusion impedes blood flow through this vessel. The most common underlying cause is a malignant neoplasm, especially a bronchogenic carcinoma. This article describes the cutaneous findings of this disorder. OBSERVATIONS: Among the earliest and most prominent features are numerous, dilated, vertically oriented, and tortuous cutaneous venules or veins above the rib cage margin. Recognition of this cutaneous sign allowed us to make a diagnosis of lung cancer in several patients. Other features include upper body edema and ruddiness or cyanosis, distended neck veins, proptosis, and conjunctival suffusion. CONCLUSIONS: Detecting the characteristic cutaneous features can lead to an early diagnosis of the superior vena cava syndrome. These skin changes usually represent indirect dermatologic signs of an underlying malignant neoplasm; for most patients, this syndrome is the initial manifestation of their cancer. The most common cause is a bronchogenic carcinoma, especially the small-cell variety, but others include lymphomas, primary mediastinal tumors, and metastases to the mediastinal lymph nodes from extrathoracic primary tumors, especially breast cancer. Treatment of the underlying malignant neoplasm and relief of the obstruction produce prompt improvement in the dermatologic findings.
This report reflects the best data available at the time the report was prepared, but caution should be exercised in interpreting the data; the results of future studies may require alteration of the conclusions or recommendations set forth in this report.
Topical antibiotics are safe and effective in certain conditions, primarily acne, rosacea, and nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus. They are useful in impetigo only when it is of limited extent. Their efficacy in other pyodermas is unclear, although mupirocin is probably effective in many cases. In "infected eczema" that does not require systemic therapy they seem to add little to what topical corticosteroids alone achieve. They are ineffective in reducing the incidence of significant infection with indwelling intravenous catheters. They are safe preparations, but extensive use, especially in closed populations, may encourage the emergence of resistant bacteria.
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We studied the natural history, the prevalence of atopy, and the frequency of systemic symptoms during attacks in 35 patients with cholinergic urticaria, the histologic condition of the eruption in seven patients (20%), and the response to intradermal injections of acetylcholine, histamine, and methacholine in 18 patients (51%). In most patients symptoms began between the ages of 10 and 30 years, persisted for many years, and caused them to modify their activities to avoid the provoking factors of exercise, emotion, and heat. The condition usually improved with time, and five patients (14%) had a spontaneous remission. Atopy, present in about 12 (34%) of the patients, was more frequent than in the general population. Systemic symptoms were uncommon during attacks, and patients had no greater responses than controls to the intradermal tests. The histologic study revealed neutrophils in and around the walls of superficial subpapillary dermal vessels.
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Venous thrombosis in an extremity, when extensive, can cause reversible tissue ischemia or frank gangrene even without arterial or capillary occlusion. Patients gradually or abruptly develop severe pain, extensive edema, and cyanosis of the extremity, nearly always in the legs. Gangrene can occur unless the venous obstruction is relieved. Such ischemic venous thrombosis can complicate surgery, trauma, childbirth, or prolonged immobility, but malignant neoplasms, either obvious or occult, are a major predisposing factor. The optimal therapy is anticoagulation and thrombectomy. Patients with venous gangrene may require amputation if extensive, deep-tissue destruction occurs. The mortality rate for ischemic venous thrombosis is about 40%, the cause of death usually being the underlying disease or pulmonary emboli.
This paper examines four controversies in antimicrobial prophylaxis. Duration of prophylaxis: Antimicrobial agents must be present in the tissues throughout the operation. Usually, a single preoperative or intraoperative dose will suffice; postoperative doses are unnecessary. Third-generation cephalosporins: no clinical evidence supports their use for surgical prophylaxis. Optimal prophylaxis for colorectal surgery: the information is conflicting, but oral agents combined with a parenteral antibiotic may be optimal. Prophylaxis for patients with indwelling prosthetic joints or vascular grafts: prophylaxis is unnecessary for procedures like dental work that cause transient bacteremia, but established infections should receive prompt, vigorous antimicrobial therapy.
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