WHO unveils nine patient safety solutions
May 7th 2007The Patient Safety Solutions address the issues of: look-alike, sound-alike medication names; correct patient identification; handover communications; correct procedure at the correct body site; control of concentrated electrolyte solutions; medication accuracy; catheter and tubing misconnections; needle reuse and injection device safety; and hand hygiene.
Latebreakers: Ointment for impetigo given nod
May 7th 2007Impetigo is a bacterial skin condition common in children and characterized by blisters that may itch. Now there is a new antibacterial ointment approved to treat this condition. Retapamulin (Altabax 1%, GlaxoSmithKline) is the first of a new class of antibacterials known as pleuromutilins. According to the manufacturer, no other antibacterials use the same specific mode of action.