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FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid Certain Topical Pain Relief Products Due to Potential for Dangerous Health Effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use certain over-the-counter analgesic (pain relief) products that are marketed for topical use to relieve pain before, during or after certain cosmetic procedures, such as microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, tattooing and piercing. Some of these products are labeled to contain ingredients, such as lidocaine, at concentrations that are higher than what is permitted for over-the-counter, topical pain relief products. Full Access: FDA
H5N1 Avian Flu Found in Texas Individual who Apparently was Infected by Dairy Cows
Texas health officials reported Monday that an individual who had been in contact with cattle has contracted H5N1 avian flu, only the second case ever recorded in the U.S. Three states — Texas, Kansas, and Michigan — have recently reported they have had confirmed H5N1 outbreaks in cattle; New Mexico and Idaho have also reported outbreaks in cattle that are presumed to have been caused by H5N1. Full Access: STAT
Improved Care Needed for Patients Diagnosed with Pneumonia in Urgent Care Clinics
Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine the characteristics of patients diagnosed with pneumonia with vs without confirmatory imaging; assess the differences in treatment, disposition, and 30-day mortality between those patients; and determine the performance of severity assessment tools in patients with pneumonia in the urgent care clinic setting. It was estimated that the rate of pneumonia overdiagnosis in urgent care clinics was 30%. Full Access: Pulmonology Advisor
Clinical Outcomes Associated with Amoxicillin Treatment for Acute Otitis Media in Children
Among children diagnosed with AOM treated with amoxicillin, treatment failure was uncommon and did not differ by pathogen or beta-lactamase production. These data support guidance recommending amoxicillin despite an increasing prevalence of beta-lactamase-producing bacteria. Full Access: Pediatric Infectious Disease