Infectious Diseases
News from the FDA/CDC
Zika-linked birth defects climbing in U.S. hot spots
Zika-linked birth defects increased in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico.
News
Antibiotic choice for acute otitis media 2018
Otopathogen epidemiology has changed over the years; should antibiotic choice for acute otitis media change as well?
From the Journals
Influenza: All that and MI too
Admissions for myocardial infarction spike after laboratory-confirmed flu infection.
From the Journals
Eradicating HCV significantly improved liver stiffness in meta-analysis
Liver stiffness decreased after patients achieved sustained virologic response.
From the Journals
Recurrent serious infection risk captured in real world RA study
Organ class of the index infection has a large effect on future infections.
News from the FDA/CDC
Flu season takes another turn for the worse
Season breaks nearly decade-old record – and not in a good way.
From the Journals
DMARDs may hamper pneumococcal vaccine response in systemic sclerosis patients
Vaccination before DMARD initiation or while on a drug holiday might be a good idea.
News
Influenza vaccination of pregnant women needs surveillance
One study found an increased risk of spontaneous abortion associated with vaccination, but this is inconsistent with previous findings.
News from the FDA/CDC
U.S. influenza activity widespread to start 2018
In one way at least, this flu season is already worse than 2016-2017.
News
FDA: No more codeine or hydrocodone cold medicines for children
Risks outweigh benefits for pediatric prescription cough and cold medicines containing opioids.
From the Journals
Novel herpes zoster vaccine is more cost effective than old vaccine
Cost-effectiveness can be an important factor in considering patient treatment for herpes zoster.