Author Interviews, CDC, Infections, JAMA / 01.04.2024
Regional Decolonization Efforts in Hospitals and Nursing Homes Led to Reduced Infections, Hospitalizations, Costs and Deaths
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
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Dr. Huang[/caption]
Susan S. Huang, MD, MPH
Chancellor's Professor, Infectious Diseases
School of Medicine
Department of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention
University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the decolonization techniques?
Dr. Huang[/caption]
Susan S. Huang, MD, MPH
Chancellor's Professor, Infectious Diseases
School of Medicine
Department of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention
University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the decolonization techniques?
- This study arose from a growing concern about the increasing number and presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing colonization and infection in hospitals and long-term care. CDC has had a longstanding interest in the value of regional control of these contagious pathogens and they funded this study.
The study was actually in two parts:
- –1) Simulate various infection prevention strategies in a model and see which works best, and then
- - 2) Do it in real life. The SHIELD project was the real-life example of our simulation finding that decolonization would work the best to prevent harm from antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- The regional idea is that it takes all of us working together – hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term acute care hospitals – to prevent the spread and sharing of contagious pathogens. What we can accomplish together is far greater than what any of us can do alone.
- In this study, decolonization was the use of topical chlorhexidine antiseptic soap and povidone-iodine nasal ointments to reduce potentially harmful bacteria on the body during times when patients and residents may be at risk for infection. We swapped out bathing and showering soap with CHG in participating facilities and ensured that staff knew to clean the body well, including wounds, devices, and rashes where germs can hide and cause infection. For CHG, this involved 4% rinse off product in the shower and 2% no-rinse CHG for bed baths.
Dr. Solgama[/caption]
Jay P. Solgama
Medical Student
Department of Medical Education
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Scranton PA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The opioid crisis in the United States continues to escalate, with opioid-related deaths increasing by over 800% since 2000. Prescription opioids, particularly oxycodone, have been a contributor to this crisis, with substantial variations in their distribution observed across different states [1,2,3].
Against this backdrop, the study conducted by researchers from the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine aimed to characterize the distribution of oxycodone across US states from 2000 to 2021. By analyzing data from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s comprehensive Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) databases, the study sought to identify trends and patterns in oxycodone distribution and their potential implications for opioid-related deaths [4,5].
Dr. Thomas Robert[/caption]
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Thomas Robert, MD, AIX
Associate Professor of Nephrology
APHM (Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Marseille)
Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
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Dr. Letavernier[/caption]
Prof. Emmanuel Letavernier, MD PhD
Nephrologist at Tenon Hospital
Paris, France
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Our work was prompted by emerging concerns surrounding the potential nephrotoxic effects of hair-straightening products containing glyoxylic acid. This inquiry was instigated by a patient who experienced three repeated acute episodes of kidney injury in June 2020, April 2021, and July 2022, each occurring shortly after a hair-straightening procedure. Notably, these episodes resolved with hydration.
Upon examining the composition of the hair product used by the patient, which contained glyoxylic acid, and considering the patient's report of painful ulcer scalp during application and subsequent scalp scarring, we suspected a potential link between exposure to glyoxylic acid and kidney injury. Consulting with my colleague, Professor Emmanuel Letavenier, a specialist in crystalline nephropathy at Paris, confirmed this suspicion.
In summer 2023, cases series have been reported by an Israeli team (
When you visit your doctor, you expect to receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment. However, medical professionals can sometimes make mistakes that have serious consequences for patients. If you believe you have been the victim of a misdiagnosis in Virginia, you may be wondering about your legal options. Can you sue your doctor for a wrong diagnosis?
Consider the hypothetical case of Sarah, a hardworking professional plagued by persistent fatigue and headaches. After a series of tests with ambiguous results, her physician diagnoses her with chronic fatigue syndrome. Feeling a sense of relief at finally having an answer, Sarah diligently follows the recommended treatment plan and makes significant lifestyle changes. Despite her efforts, her health continues to deteriorate. Seeking a second opinion, Sarah discovers that she actually has a tumor which, while treatable, has gone undetected and caused substantial harm. Sarah's story illustrates the potentially devastating impact of a misdiagnosis, leaving her with both emotional trauma and severe medical issues.
Dr. Cortese[/caption]
Marianna Cortese, MD, PhD
Senior Research Scientist
Dr. Fangqun Yu[/caption]
Dr. Fangqun Yu PhD
Senior Research Faculty
Atmospheric Sciences Research Center University
Albany, State University of New York
Dr. Arshad Nair[/caption]
Dr. Arshad Arjunan Nair PhD
Postdoctoral Associate
Atmospheric Sciences Research Center
University at Albany, State University of New York
Skilled
In recent years, the field of psychiatric care has undergone a revolutionary transformation. This is because of groundbreaking research that has redefined our understanding of mental health and treatment methodologies.
From innovative therapies to advanced diagnostic tools, transformative research has played a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of psychiatric care.
In this article, we will explore the key contributions that researchers have made in this field. We will also talk about how their work is influencing the way mental health is approached and treated.