The main pharmacological agents involved in allergic contact dermatitis are topical antibiotics and antiseptics, antivirals, antimycotics, corticosteroids, topical NSAIDs and topical anesthetics. Expert Review of Dermatology
Michael LeFevre, MD, MSPH, Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, provides our first summary US Preventive Services Task Force report. The Medscape Journal of Medicine
Surveillance data indicate that the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine administered to children with sickle cell disease between the ages of 4 and 10 decreases the incidence of pneumonia by 68% and increases survival by 81.4%, investigators report in the March issue of Pediatrics. Reuters Health Information
Although in vitro results were promising, chloroquine was not effective as preventive therapy in vivo in animal models of influenza infection, dampening enthusiasm for the potential utility of the drug in humans. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses
Should clinicians get to know patients to anticipate potential barriers to treatment, or should they simply be more insistent that patients follow their orders? Medscape Med Students
Sublingual immunotherapy reduces symptom scores and rescue medication use in children with allergic asthma, according to findings published in the March issue of Chest. Reuters Health Information
The FDA has approved revisions to the safety labeling for oral and injectable levofloxacin (Levaquin), sorafenib tosylate tablets (Nexavar), and testosterone 1% gel (AndroGel). Medscape Medical News
The CDC is investigating an outbreak of acute allergic-type reactions among patients who have undergone hemodialysis since November 19, 2007. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report