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Biomedical subjects

Mark W Hull

Publications and source records attributed to Mark W Hull.

2 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

An Approach to Oral Infections and Their Management.

Oral infections can be odontogenic or nonodontogenic in origin. Odontogenic infections are most prevalent and include dental caries, periodontal disease, and suppurative deep space infections. Nonodontogenic infections include sialadenitis and parotitis, vesiculobullous gingivostomatitis, aphthous ulcers, oropharyngeal candidiasis, and severe oral mucositis in the immunocompromised host. Clinical presentations can be variable. An understanding of the underlying anatomic structures, the oral microflora, and associated medical conditions of the host is critical to guide appropriate diagnosis and management. In this paper, preventative strategies to reduce dental plaque formation and promote oral health are emphasized.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Clostridium difficile-associated colitis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the basic microbiology, pathogenesis of disease, and diagnosis of the nosocomial pathogen Clostridium difficile and to examine therapies recommended by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE MEDLINE: was searched using MeSH headings. Controlled trials for therapy were sought, but case-control studies and observational reviews were included. MAIN MESSAGE: Clostridium difficile causes approximately 20% of cases of diarrhea associated with antibiotics, including clindamycin and the second- and third-generation cephalosporins. Diarrhea is usually mild, but can be severe; extreme cases develop toxic megacolon. Diagnosis is dependent on demonstrating presence of clostridial toxin in stool specimens or of pseudomembranes through sigmoidoscopy. First-line therapy for C. difficile diarrhea is restricted to metronidazole. Second-line therapy for treatment failure is vancomycin. For relapse, a second course of metronidazole is recommended; tapering courses of vancomycin and probiotics are used for multiple recurrences. CONCLUSION: Clostridium difficile is an important nosocomial pathogen requiring prudent use of antibiotics and strict infection-control policies to prevent large health care costs.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗