Medical Management News

Antibiotics and Rashes

Children should never be diagnosed with an antibiotic allergy over the telephone, according to the most recent Clinical Update published by Schmitt-Thompson, the experts in triage protocols. However, a non-allergic rash can often be recognized over the telephone they say. “If in doubt, the child can be seen. For children who develop hives, an oral challenge test under medical supervision can clarify if a true allergy to the antibiotic exists,” according to the website www.stcc-triage.com.

The update further notes that 5 to 10% of children develop a skin rash while taking augmentin and amoxicillin, the most widely used antibiotics in pediatrics. Physicians don’t always agree on how to manage these cases.

The Family that Loses Together…

When obese people lose weight with behavioral therapy, their family members may get a bit trimmer as well, according to a Reuters Health story that looks at a new Italian study of overweight people.

The study examines whether the family members of obese patients who exercise cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are influenced by the CBT behaviors of their kin. The researchers surveyed family members of 149 obese patients going through the CBT program at the University of Bologna, which consisted of 12 to 15 weekly group meetings.

Six months after their relatives started the program, the study found, family members—mainly spouses and adult children—showed some changes as well.

On average family members had cut more than 200 calories from their daily intake since the start of the study. They also consumed less fat and refined carbs, and were eating more fruit.

NAPW Bestows Honor on TriageLogic’s Charu Rajeha

Charu Rajeha, TriageLogic chair and CFO, was recently inducted into VIP membership of the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), Garden City, NY. Only 207 of the organization’s more than 200,000 members were inducted in 2011. These "VIP Women of the Year" were selected in recognition of the strides they have made in their respective industries, their outstanding leadership, their professional achievements, and for displaying the highest level of support of NAPW's commitment to networking and community involvement, according to a NAPW statement.