Low dose “synergistic” gentamycin has been traditionally used in conjunction with anti-staph penicillins or vancomycin to treat staph aureus endocarditis, however the nephrotoxicity of this practice had not been evaluated. In this prospective cohort of safety data from a randomized trial of patients with staph aureus endocarditis, researchers found that 22% of those that received gentamycin, versus only 8% that did not, suffered a decrease in their creatinine clearance. Given the limited efficacy of low dose gent synergy, the authors and an accompanying editorial conclude that the risks outweigh the benefits (abstract)
Share This Post
Categories
Related Posts
While all of us see patients who smoke in their 70s or 80s, due to their limited lifespan from COPD, DM, malignancy, etc., and their expressed wishes to continue tobacco, we keep our admonitions to a minimum. We accept our patient has become learned enough through life to make their own decisions and accept whatever […]
Do you have a stack of journals piling up on your desk, beside your bed or in your email inbox? In 1950, medical knowledge was estimated to double every 50 years, but now the doubling time is every few months. At this rate, it is impossible to keep up with the literature, but a group […]
Fill in the Blanks: Q: “The diagnosis of type 2 MI is associated with a _____ prognosis. ___% of patients will live five years after their diagnosis.” The answer is a) POOR and b) a staggering 40%. I did not know that. However, what I am aware of is the ambiguity around Type 2 MIs and […]
Leave A Comment