antibiotic overuse

Study tracks causes of high antibiotic prescribing rates in Tennessee

For a few years, Tennessee has been ranked as one of the highest antibiotic prescribing states in the nation, and a recent study showing that fewer than 2% of clinicians were responsible for prescribing 25% of pediatric antibiotics is moving some to action.

Gene identified that increases risk of antibiotic reaction

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and colleagues have identified a gene that increases the risk for a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to the commonly prescribed antibiotic vancomycin.

Protocol reduces antibiotic use prior to cytoscopy

A study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) by Justin Gregg, MD, and colleagues demonstrates how a clinical protocol can help reduce unnecessary use of outpatient antibiotics.

Program seeks to optimize appropriate use of antibiotics

Relying on a core team of physicians and pharmacists, the Vanderbilt Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (VASP) is seeking to ensure optimum use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC).

Preserving antibiotic arsenal for TB

Clinicians should be cautious about prescribing newer fluoroquinolone antibiotics to patients with TB risk factors; doing so may jeopardize the use of these agents against TB.

Options to treat childhood C. diff. infection studied

After more than a month in and out of the hospital with her daughter, Kynslee, Kristen Allen felt she was at the end of her rope. Last spring, the nearly 2-year-old Columbia girl developed diarrhea that wouldn’t go away after taking antibiotics for repeated ear infections.