Providers often overtreat enterococcal ABU with antibiotics, particularly in patients with pyuria. Given the low incidence of infectious complications, efforts should be made to optimize the use of antibiotics in enterococcal bacteriuria.

No abstract

Background: Quinolones are used extensively for prophylaxis in high-risk cancer patients; however, increasing quinolone resistance is being reported. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality particularly in neutropenic cancer patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive E. coli isolates from January 2009 to August 2009 at our institution. Data on antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli isolates to commonly used antimicrobial agents and the frequency of ESBL production and fluoroquinolone resistance were gathered based on CLSI guidelines. Results: There were 443 isolates of E. coli recovered. The majority were from urine cultures (308 isolates, 69.5%). Forty-one (9.2%) isolates were ESBL producing. Nine (18.3%) of the 49 isolates recovered from blood stream infections were ESBL producing. Quinolone resistance was present in 204 isolates (46%). Carbapenems and aminoglycosides retained excellent activity. E. coli resistance to quinolones increasedfrom 13 to 46% in a period of 13 years (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The incidence of resistance to quinolones at our center may be increasing as a consequence of widespread use of quinolones as prophylaxis for neutropenic patients. ESBL-producing E. coli are frequent at our center and are associated with blood stream infections.

No abstract

No abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TT P) is a life threatening thrombotic microangiopathy which may not present with the classic pentad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, fever, neurologic changes, thrombocytopenia and renal dysfunction. High level of clinical vigilance has to be rendered in suspected cases of TT P and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) must be started as soon as possible as this can be a lifesaving intervention. TT P is a category 1 recommendation for plasmapheresis as per the guidelines from American Society for Apheresis (ASFA). We present a case of 55 years old male who presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and fever and was clinically suspected as a case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. He received an intensive care treatment (endotracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy) and after no improvement following fifth day of treatment, he was started on therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). After two cycles of plasmapheresis, he had marked clinical improvement. Due to the cost unaffordability by the patient›s family, further sessions of plasma exchange therapy could not be done. The patient was later discharged and followed up in outpatient basis.

No abstract