Background Cancer patients are at an increased risk for C. difficile infection (CDI) which is oft... more Background Cancer patients are at an increased risk for C. difficile infection (CDI) which is often identified along with other enteropathogens. The impact of co-infections on outcomes has not been established in this population. We compared the risk factors and clinical characteristics of patients with CDI monoinfection (CDIM) and patients coinfected with bacterial (CDIB) or viral (CDIV) enteropathogens. Methods Adult patients presenting with primary or recurrent CDI (n = 88) identified on a two-step GI multiplex assay (Biofire) followed by toxin A/B EIA, were classified into CDIM (n = 66), CDIB (n = 12), and CDIV (n = 10) groups. Demographic and clinical data were collected and risk factors and outcomes compared by Fisher’s exact test, ANOVA, and the Kruskal–Wallis test. CDI severity was determined using Zar’s criteria, presence of bacteremia, and ICU stay. Results During the study period, 2,017 diarrheal samples were submitted to the microbiology laboratory. An enteric pathogen w...
Accuracy in quantifying brain-derived steroid hormones (???neurosteroids???) has become increasin... more Accuracy in quantifying brain-derived steroid hormones (???neurosteroids???) has become increasingly important for understanding the modulation of neuronal activity, development, and physiology. Relative to other neuroactive compounds and classical ...
Malnutrition is associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and related complications such as h... more Malnutrition is associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and related complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and increased rate of infections. Avoidance of prolonged fasting and overly restrictive diets is important to avoid poor nutrition. Adequate intake of calories, protein, and micronutrients via frequent small meals and evening supplements and/or enteral and parenteral nutrition when indicated has been associated with reduced mortality and morbidity in patients with ALD. Modification of protein/fat sources and composition in addition to probiotic supplementation are promising interventions for decreased progression of ALD and its complications.
Background Cancer patients are at an increased risk for C. difficile infection (CDI) which is oft... more Background Cancer patients are at an increased risk for C. difficile infection (CDI) which is often identified along with other enteropathogens. The impact of co-infections on outcomes has not been established in this population. We compared the risk factors and clinical characteristics of patients with CDI monoinfection (CDIM) and patients coinfected with bacterial (CDIB) or viral (CDIV) enteropathogens. Methods Adult patients presenting with primary or recurrent CDI (n = 88) identified on a two-step GI multiplex assay (Biofire) followed by toxin A/B EIA, were classified into CDIM (n = 66), CDIB (n = 12), and CDIV (n = 10) groups. Demographic and clinical data were collected and risk factors and outcomes compared by Fisher’s exact test, ANOVA, and the Kruskal–Wallis test. CDI severity was determined using Zar’s criteria, presence of bacteremia, and ICU stay. Results During the study period, 2,017 diarrheal samples were submitted to the microbiology laboratory. An enteric pathogen w...
Accuracy in quantifying brain-derived steroid hormones (???neurosteroids???) has become increasin... more Accuracy in quantifying brain-derived steroid hormones (???neurosteroids???) has become increasingly important for understanding the modulation of neuronal activity, development, and physiology. Relative to other neuroactive compounds and classical ...
Malnutrition is associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and related complications such as h... more Malnutrition is associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and related complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and increased rate of infections. Avoidance of prolonged fasting and overly restrictive diets is important to avoid poor nutrition. Adequate intake of calories, protein, and micronutrients via frequent small meals and evening supplements and/or enteral and parenteral nutrition when indicated has been associated with reduced mortality and morbidity in patients with ALD. Modification of protein/fat sources and composition in addition to probiotic supplementation are promising interventions for decreased progression of ALD and its complications.
Uploads
Papers by Andrew Chao