A MRSA epidural abscess in a 48-year-old woman was successfully treated with ceftaroline fosamil 600 mg every 12 hours as salvage therapy.

Objective: Delayed gastrointestinal (GI) recovery (postoperative ileus) is a risk for patients undergoing bowel resection (BR) and presents clinical challenges including prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS) and increased postoperative morbidity. Alvimopan, an oral, peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist, is the first therapy approved to accelerate GI recovery after BR. Published data have described alvimopan use in open BR. In contrast, this study focused on laparoscopic BR. Methods: Historic data were retrospectively collected and alvimopan data were prospectively collected from 1 surgeon at our facility. Adults undergoing laparoscopic partial small or large BR with primary anastamosis scheduled to receive intravenous, opioid-based, patient-controlled analgesia were eligible. Pregnancy, opioid analgesic on the home medication reconciliation form, complete bowel obstruction, colostomy or ileostomy creation, and unplanned surgery were exclusion criteria. All patients were uniformly managed with a standardized accelerated postoperative care pathway to facilitate GI recovery. LOS, time to first bowel movement (BM), 30-day readmission rate, and the cost were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Pearson chi-square and independent samples t tests.Results: Thirty-nine alvimopan and 56 historic cohort patients were included. Time to first BM was reduced by 1.2 days and LOS was reduced by 1.1 days (both P , .001) in the alvimopan cohort compared with control. Overall variable cost data were reduced by $1,368 in the alvimopan cohort. Readmission rates were low and comparable. Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery can decrease LOS compared with open BR; however, alvimopan use at our facility reduced LOS and time to BM while remaining cost-effective in this patient population.

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is an infection involving methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with onset in the community in an individual lacking established health care-associated MRSA risk factors. A 74-year-old group home resident with a history of hypertension and mental retardation presents with a spider bite-like lesion that rapidly progresses to multiple areas of her body. Culture results reveal MRSA. The patient's advanced age and the severity and rapidity of progression of the condition warranted treatment, and options are discussed. Pharmacists should assist in selecting antibiotics for patients with resistant infections and provide strategies for preventing the spread of resistant organisms. Current and complete medical records are critical in the group home setting. The role of the caregiver and the consultant pharmacist in this setting is discussed.

The Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology recognize the need to combat antimicrobial resistance through the promotion of antimicrobial stewardship programs. Health care facilities in Virginia were surveyed using a 23-item survey focused on facility characteristics and antimicrobial stewardship strategies. Antimicrobial stewardship activities were highly variable and many are missing key personnel and resources.

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