Brendan Gallagher, DDS’ Post

“What is Lemierre’s Syndrome and Most Common Treatment(s)?” Quick Review #106 - #pathology #oralpathology #doctorgallagher #oralsurgery #oralsurgeon #dentist #dentistry #dental Lemierre’s syndrome is a rare but serious condition often starting with an oropharyngeal infection that progresses to septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, and can lead to septic emboli affecting various organs, most commonly the lungs. The syndrome is most often caused by the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum. It typically affects healthy adolescents and young adults following throat infections or other localized infections in the head and neck area. The primary treatment for Lemierre’s syndrome is antibiotic therapy, which is crucial for managing the infection. Beta-lactamase-resistant beta-lactam antibiotics are recommended as empiric therapy due to cases of treatment failure with penicillin, which is attributed to beta-lactamase-producing F. necrophorum. The antibiotic regimen might be adjusted based on culture results and susceptibility data, with alternatives such as clindamycin or metronidazole considered for patients with significant allergies to beta-lactams. Typically, antibiotic therapy is continued for around 6 weeks to ensure effective penetration into the fibrin clots where the bacteria reside. Surgical management may be necessary in certain cases, particularly for abscess formation, respiratory distress secondary to pulmonary thrombosis, metastasis, and in situations where the thrombus extends into critical areas such as the mediastinum or cerebrum. Procedures may include surgical incision and drainage of abscesses at affected sites to control the infection effectively. The role of anticoagulation therapy in Lemierre’s syndrome is somewhat controversial and is typically reserved for cases with extensive clot burden, thrombus extension into the cerebral sinuses, large or bilateral clots, or when there’s no improvement with appropriate antibiotic and/or surgical therapy within the first 72 hours. It’s important to note that even with appropriate treatment, Lemierre’s syndrome can be life-threatening and may lead to various complications including thrombus progression and new peripheral septic embolization. The condition requires a careful and comprehensive approach to management, often involving an interprofessional team including an intensivist, surgeon, and otolaryngologist to ensure the best possible outcomes. References: 1. Chong, J. C. F. (2019, July 9). Lemierre’s syndrome - septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. EMNote. https://lnkd.in/e-9CvA8z 2. Valerio, L., Pleming, W., Pecci, A., & Barco, S. (2021). Management of Lemierre Syndrome. Minerva Medica, 112(6), 726-739. doi: 10.23736/S0026-4806.21.07497-8. 3. StatPearls Publishing. (2021). Lemierre Syndrome - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. Retrieved from https://lnkd.in/e8fXPD7a 4. ChatGPT. 2024.

Well I extracted my upper right canine today, lost both my upper canines now so I can't be a vampire. Great dentist today, completing the task, painless. Much thanks. Compared to extracting my left upper canine in that stupid hospital. 2hrs of wrangling the canine out as the root was obstructed by the adjacent tooth root. Sore entire body for a whole week after. But good thereafter as the source of bacterial blood infection was finally removed after 3 yrs from pre pandemic (YES, I survived a 3 YEAR blood bacteria infection if you want to believe the gross Incompetents bacteria is hiding somewhere in my body they have to find where with kidney injuring investigative procedures.). Resolving an early infection manifestation with oral antibiotics from Govt Clinic doctors, much more competent than the premier BULLSHIT showcase claimed doctors of tertiary hospital) , thereafter the stupid hospital could not confirm the bacterial. Blood infection cos the stupid doctors violating diagnosis protocol started IV antibiotics before confirmation protocols. Refusing to do the necessary to clear the infection after completing antibiotics to cover up the protocol violation and fictitious diagnoses justifying EMERGENCY life shortening open heart surgery. Compared to last more recent experience extracting my lower left canine. Sore for 2 days. Had to take painkillers till matters subsided to normal. Now gotta find replacement canine like Kong. 🤣🤣🤣 Prefer the winter soldier arm anytime tho like Kong got as well an augmentation arm. Maybe I should just go for a new full set complete with new upper/lower longer canines that can puncture the jugular of adversaries. I am after all a double cat (Leo & Tiger)

Tonsillectomy for recurrent pharyngitis? What does the evidence show? In this study, researchers noted that a tonsillectomy can produce a short-term reduction in throat infections compared with no surgery in children with ≥3 throat infections. However, these benefits did not persist over time, and data on longer-term results are lacking. Quality of life improved regardless of surgery. #prescriberesponsibly #infectiousdiseases #infectionprevention #antimicrobialstewardship #antimicrobialresistance https://lnkd.in/ez5PE4Vp.

In a recent study, researchers linked an Achromobacter spp. outbreak to medical equipment containing contaminated water. The contamination led to an increase in urinary tract infections among patients who underwent surgery. Achromobacter spp. is a waterborne pathogen that can be present in tap water, well water, and swimming pools. Another study cited by the researchers revealed that 35% of infections are associated with a contaminated water supply and medical equipment. View the full study here: https://bit.ly/3IhBmGQ

“Why is Leukocytosis Important When Evaluating Odontogenic Infections?” Quick Read #64 - #infection #teeth #pathology #oralpathology #doctorgallagher #oralsurgery #oralsurgeon #dentist #dentistry #dental Leukocytosis refers to an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count in the bloodstream. White blood cells are a crucial part of the immune system, and their numbers can increase in response to various factors, including infections and inflammation. In certain odontogenic infections, such as dental abscesses or severe gum infections, leukocytosis can occur as a response to the infection. This happens because the body recognizes the presence of bacteria or other pathogens in the oral cavity and mobilizes white blood cells to fight the infection. The elevation of WBC count in infections is a part of the body's natural defense mechanism. When pathogens invade the body, the immune system releases signaling molecules called cytokines, which stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. This increased production leads to a higher WBC count in the bloodstream. Key signs and symptoms that clinicians should look for to assess the severity of an infection, in addition to the WBC, may include: 1. Vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, and fever, which indicates an inflammatory response. 2. Pain, edema, and erythema at the site of the infection. 3. Trismus; difficulty when opening the jaw. 4. Pus or discharge from the affected area. 5. Extent of swelling into other spaces of the face, head and neck. 6. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or jaw area. 7. Systemic symptoms such as fatigue and malaise. 8. Recent administration of corticosteroids (ie. dexamethasone, for example, can cause an increase in WBC; sometimes given to decrease inflammation in the setting of surgery) Clinicians may also use imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, to assess the extent of the infection and its potential complications, such as abscess formation or involvement of nearby structures. It's important to note that not all infections lead to leukocytosis, and the degree of elevation in WBC count can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection, as well as individual patient factors. Monitoring the WBC count, along with clinical symptoms and imaging, can help guide treatment decisions in cases of odontogenic infections or any other infectious condition. References: 1. Janeway, C. A., Travers, P., Walport, M., & Shlomchik, M. J. (2001). Immunobiology: The Immune System in Health and Disease. Garland Science. 2. Newman, M. G., Takei, H. H., Klokkevold, P. R., & Carranza, F. A. (2014). Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology. Saunders. 3. Kumar, V., Abbas, A. K., Aster, J. C., & Robbins, S. L. (2020). Robbins Basic Pathology. Elsevier. 4. ChatGPT. 2023.

Healthcare professionals use antiseptics to clean the area of the body where the surgery takes place. This process reduces the risk of a surgical site infection (SII) caused by bacteria that enter the body of a patient through the site of the incision. SII can be severe and sometimes require additional surgery to cure it. But according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Infection Control, SII can be prevented by using nasal povidone-iodine (PVP-I) before surgery. The application of pre-surgery intranasal povidone-iodine (PVP-I) reduces Staphylococcus aureus colonization, the bacteria that causes SII. To continue reading, please click on the link: https://lnkd.in/gSh2mZ4A #study #medtigonews #infections #health

PJI is a devastating complication causing difficulty for patient quality of life. It is our goal to provide a more robust and mechanically stronger infection management solution. ✨ COPAL® exchange G hip preformed spacers are that solution ✨ COPAL® exchange G Hip is a preformed PMMA hip spacer containing Gentamicin used in a two-stage revision procedure. (1) Implantation of COPAL Exchange G: ⚫ Prepare the femoral canal by removing the infected implant and residual cement. (2) ⚫ Thoroughly and carefully clean and dry the femoral canal to remove residual cement and tissue before the spacer is placed (1), utilizing the pulse lavage system palaJet®. ⚫ Insert the COPAL® exchange G hip Trial into the prepared femoral canal to verify stem fit and reduce the hip joint to evaluate fit and stability. (2) ⚫ When ready, use the selected COPAL® exchange G hip spacer. Insert by hand and avoid using a mallet to prevent implant fracture. (2) ⚫ Secure the COPAL® hip spacer with PALACOS® Antibiotic Loaded Bone Cements (2) R+G* or MV+G* by utilizing the PALACOS® pro All-in-One Fixation System™ ready-to-mix closed mixing system or PALAMIX® cartridge vacuum mixing system without vacuum to mix the cement before application. ⚫ Apply the cement during the dough phase. Apply PALACOS cement during the latter half of its dough phase to avoid strong fixation at the proximal part of the hip stem, utilizing the sterile, single-use cement gun PALAGUN® to stabilize the COPAL® hip spacer. (2) ⚫ Once cement is hardened, reduce the hip joint. (2) Click here to learn more: https://ow.ly/Nwrh50QyT8k (1) COPAL® exchange G IFU, Heraeus Medical. (2) Internal Data on File. #Infection #InfectionManagement #Antibiotic #Bone #Surgery #PJI #Surgeon #Orthopedic #COPAL #Healthcare #Medical

Minimizing infection risk is something we take very seriously at NCSH. If you're having surgery, find out how to identify the signs of infection and what to do about it. #infectionprevention #safesurgery #NCSH https://bit.ly/3HmC0Dx