Update in infectious disease treatment

Studies published during the past year on the treatment of several infectious diseases provide valuable information that should enable us to treat our patients more effectively. Among those findings: Oral vancomycin (Vancocin) is superior to oral metronidazole (Flagyl) for treating patients with severe Clostridium difficile-associated disease. The risk of death from any cause may be higher with the use of cefepime (Maxipime) than with other beta-lactam antibiotics. In patients presenting to primary care physicians with symptoms of acute maxillary sinusitis, antibiotics and topical nasal steroids do not seem to be effective, either alone or in combination. For patients with Bell palsy, early treatment with prednisolone improves the chance of complete recovery; antiviral therapy may be indicated for patients with complete facial nerve paralysis. In patients undergoing chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplasia, posaconazole (Noxafil) prevented fungal infections more effectively than fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox) and improved overall survival. Anidulafungin (Eraxis) was not inferior to fluconazole in the treatment of invasive candidiasis.