SOME REASSURANCE ON MACROLIDES, OPIOIDS IN PREGNANCY— BUT NOT DEVOID OF FETAL RISK.
Observational studies demonstrated that mothers who used macrolides or prescription opioids in early pregnancy did not seem to have an increased risk of birth defects. The results of this study contradict those of a cohort study published last year, which found a 55% increased of major malformations for pregnant macrolide-users versus penicillin-users. In a separate BMJ study, mothers who used prescription opioids in the first trimester had no increased risk of having a child with a birth defect except oral clefts. Authors suggest that results are reassuring but they do point to this increase in risk for oral clefts, which physicians should communicate to their patients.
Full Access: MEDPAGE TODAY

DELAYED ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIBING FOR RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS: INDIVIDUAL PATIENT DATA META-ANALYSIS
Randomized controlled trials an observational cohort studies data allowed comparison between delayed vs no antibiotic prescribing, and delayed vs immediate antibiotic prescribing. Study showed no difference was found in follow up symptom severity for delayed vs immediate antibiotic or delayed vs no antibiotics. Children younger than 5 had a slightly higher follow up symptom severity with delayed antibiotics. Researchers conclude that delayed antibiotic prescribing is a safe and effective strategy for most patients, including those in higher risk subgroups.
Full Access: TheBMJ

US FDA GIVES EMERGENCY USE APPROVAL FOR GSK-VIR COVID-19 ANTIBODY DRUG
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave an emergency use authorization to the antibody treatment “Sotrovimab” for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people aged 12 years and older. The European Union’s drug regulator backedthe use of Sotrovimab for COVID-19 patients who were at risk of severe disease and do not need supplemental oxygen.
Full Access: Medscape

COVID-19 IMMUNITY COULD LAST FOR YEARS, STUDIES SAY.
Two recent studies indicate that most people who contracted COVID-19, recovered, and then got vaccinated later may not need a booster shot. Additionally, a study published in the journal Nature, found that certain immune cells may survive in the bone marrow of people who were infected and later vaccinated. Those immune cells may create antibodies whenever needed. In another study, published on the bioRxiv pre-print server, researchers found that these memory B cells can grow and strengthen for at least 12 months after an initial infection.
Full Access: Medscape