R Cheat Sheet
R provides a wide array of functions to help you with statistical analysis with R—from simple statistics to complex analyses. Several statistical functions are built into R and R packages. R statistical functions fall into several categories including central tendency and variability, relative standing, t-tests, analysis of variance and regression analysis. Base R statistical functions for […]
Antimicrobial Resistance
Microbes have a variety of mechanisms for achieving resistance to antimicrobials. Some mechanisms are intrinsic (naturally produced by the organism), some are induced by certain conditions, some are genetically acquired mutations and others can be passed from organism to organism. The last two mechanisms are why preventing the formation of resistant organisms is important. Once […]
Diabetic Foot Infections
PEDIS Grades and Treatment Paradigms Grade Infection Severity Clinical Manifestations Treatment Location Treatment 1 Uninfected Wound without purulence or inflammation Outpatient Topical antibiotics 2 Mild >2:purlence or erythema, pain, tenderness, warmth, or induration, cellulitis <2cm around ulcer; infection limited to skin/subQ tissue, no complications Mostly Outpatient—Oral 1. Cephalexin 500 mg PO every 6 hours2. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 2 160 […]
Stewardship Intro
There are two main drivers of stewardship in hospitals: IDSA/SHEA Guidelines and the CDC Core Elements.
Intra-Abdominal Infections
Pathogens get more complex as you move down the GI tract: stomach: streptococcus, lactobacilli pancreas (none) bile duct: e.coli, klebsiella, enterococcus small intestines adds diphtheroids distil ileum and colon: bacteroides, clostridium, Enterobacter, E.coli, klebsiella, peptostreptococcus Community-Acquired Intrabdominal Infection: Appendicitis Blood/fluid cultures not routinely needed for patients with community-acquired infection unless clinically toxic or high-risk for […]
Sexually Transmitted Disease
The CDC is the best place to check for updated STI guidelines and resistance patterns. Chlamydia: Doxycycline 100 mg orally 2 times/day for 7 days (preferred) Azithromycin 1g 1 time dose (can use in pregnancy) Levofloxacin 500 mg orally once daily for 7 days Alt in preg: Amoxicillin 500 mg orally 3 times/day for 7 days […]
Urinary Tract Infections
When presented with a urinary tract infection, you have to ask: Cystitis or pyelonephritis? Lower UTI – cystitis: dysuria, frequent urination, urgency, suprapubic pain, hematuria Upper UTI – pyelonephritis: same as above plus systemic symptoms like fever chills, flank pain, CVA tenderness, nausea and vomiting Complicated or Uncomplicated Complicated: associated with a structural or functional abnormality […]
Pneumonia
Community Acqired Pneumonia (CAP) CAP is defined as pneumonia with an onset outside of the hospital setting or < 48 hours after hospital admission. Mortality ranges from < 1% to 50% depending on severity of illness. It is one of the leading infectious causes of hospitalization anddeath. Bacterial CAP is usually caused by S. pneumonia, […]
The Pros and Cons of Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones, like Levaquin (levofloxacin) and Cipro (ciprofloxacin), are a popular class of antibiotics that are used to treat a variety of infections. While these antibiotics are highly effective, it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons associated with their use. Patients and providers should have a conversation about these side effects and potential […]