Kevin Mercer, PharmD, MPH Profile picture
Emergency Medicine Pharmacist @GulfCoastRMC | PGY2 EM @HopkinsMedicine | PGY1 @UChicagoMed | PharmD MPH @UK_COP @UKCPH | #FOAMed tweets ≠ medical advice
Jan 24, 2023 4 tweets 3 min read
Cell index and corrected CSF WBC count can be used to generate a score where ≥6 indicates infection. There are challenges with regard to the sensitivity and specificity of this score.

@SarahE_NP provides updates on nosocomial meningitis and ventriculitis (NMV) #SCCM2023 CSF IL-6 and total leukocyte count are sensitivity and specific for ventriculitis in traumatic brain injury patients #SCCM2023
Jan 23, 2023 4 tweets 3 min read
High-dose, long duration beta-lactan therapy remains the mainstay of therapy for infective endocarditis. Gentamicin and rifampin-containing regimens are no longer necessary

#MeganHicks provides updates on endocarditis and cardiovascular infections #SCCM2023 STS RISK-E scoring system may be used to assist with determining surgical risk. Patients with cardiogenic shock or large mobile vegetations at eminent risk of mobilization require more emergent surgery #SCCM2023
Mar 18, 2020 9 tweets 2 min read
Opinion: vancomycin + cefepime + metronidazole (VCM) is superior empiric therapy than vancomycin + piperacillin/tazobactam (VPT) for *most* indications in the emergency department.

There are five reasons why I believe this to be true. #inthisessayiwill Empiric regimen selection for patients with healthcare-associated risk factors is tough.

Despite my bias, I hope to generate more thought in your next decision rather than simply saying....