John J Ross

..These rates are higher than those observed elsewhere, which may be related to use of the device in a population of chronically ill patients, to the learning curve associated with use of the device, or to inherent qualities of the device...

..If present, en-bloc resection of the sternoclavicular joint is indicated, possibly with ipsilateral pectoralis major muscle flap. Empiric antibiotic therapy may need to cover methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)...

..However, Melville's clinical course, abnormally rigid posture, loss of 1(3/8) inches in height between the ages of 30 and 37, and a family history of rheumatological disease, suggest a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis...

..If successful, animal studies could lead to pilot studies of one or more of these agents as adjunctive therapy, in addition to antibiotics, in diabetic patients with chronic osteomyelitis who have failed conventional treatment...

..A bacteriologic diagnosis is more likely with inoculation into blood culture bottles than plating on solid media. As MRSA increases in prevalence in the community, empiric anti-biotic regimens increasingly need to be active against MRSA...

..I discuss unifying diagnoses for Orwell's respiratory problems and apparent infertility, including tuberculous epididymitis, Young syndrome, immotile cilia syndrome, and cystic fibrosis...

..He may also have had anasarca due to mercury-related membranous nephropathy. This medical misadventure may have prematurely ended the career of the greatest writer in the English language...

..Since osteomyelitis is present in 97% of patients, we recommend antibiotic courses of 6 weeks' duration. Surgical debridement is required in 55% of patients...

..A fatal case of septic arthritis caused by a beta-lactam-resistant strain of S. pneumoniae is also presented...

..Cryptococcal meningitis in sarcoid patients often presents clinically with non-specific features, and should be excluded in patients with sarcoidosis and neurological disturbances...

..Prospective studies of psychological morbidity after occupational needlestick injuries are required to determine the role of long-term psychological follow-up, counseling, and support...

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..If short-term antibiotic treatment is attempted, the clinical and radiological response should be closely monitored. Cervicofacial actinomycosis is especially responsive to brief courses of antibiotic treatment...

..This article discusses the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of pyomyositis in the tropical and temperate settings...

..Brucellosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cardiac device infection in patients residing in or traveling to areas of endemicity...