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Biomedical subjects

Kristina E Ward

Publications and source records attributed to Kristina E Ward.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Oritavancin--an investigational glycopeptide antibiotic.

Antibiotics save countless lives each year; however, increasing rates of drug-resistant bacteria have limited antibiotic selection. Currently, there are few available options for treating resistant Gram-positive organisms. Oritavancin, a novel glycopeptide antibiotic with bactericidal activity, has been developed and recently completed the first round of Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections. Investigations into oritavancin's efficacy will be explored in catheter-related bacteraemia and nosocomial pneumonia. Oritavancin demonstrates similar activity to vancomycin but possesses extended activity against vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus and Enterococcus. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oritavancin appear to be favourable and once-daily dosing is likely. The incidence of multi-drug resistant bacteria is increasing and explorations into additional treatment options are essential. Further development of oritavancin is necessary to determine clinical efficacy.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Hyperphosphatemia and phosphate binders.

PURPOSE: The pathophysiology of hyperphosphatemia associated with end-stage renal disease and treatment with phosphate binders are discussed. SUMMARY: Phosphorus is an essential element necessary for the normal function of the human body, required for skeletal construction and synthesis of DNA, proteins, and adenosine triphosphate. In healthy individuals, serum phosphorus concentrations are maintained between 2.5 and 4.5 mg/dL through diet and renal excretion. In renal insufficiency, phosphorus excretion declines and hyperphosphatemia develops. The body's compensation mechanisms cause secondary hyperparathyroidism and renal osteodystrophy. Phosphate binders provide an effective means for managing serum phosphate. Commercially available phosphate binders include calcium carbonate, calcium acetate, sevelamer, lanthanum, and, rarely, aluminum hydroxide. Because of aluminum's known toxicities, aluminum-based phosphate binders have a limited place in therapy. Calcium carbonate's benefits are seen over a narrow gastric pH range, thereby limiting the drug's utility. Calcium acetate is effective over a wide pH range. Other phosphate binders, including sevelamer hydrochloride and lanthanum carbonate, have recently entered the market, but their use remains controversial. CONCLUSION: If left untreated, hyperphosphatemia can result in secondary hyperparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy, and metastatic calcification of blood vessels and soft tissue. The treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic renal failure includes dialysis, dietary phosphorus restrictions, phosphate-binding medications, and vitamin D analogs. Selection of phosphate binders should be based on patient characteristics, including serum phosphate, serum calcium, and intact parathyroid hormone concentrations, and patient tolerability.

Aluminum↗