Published: November 2, 2016

FDA issues fluoroquinolone black-box warning

On July 8, the Food and Drug Administration notified the manufacturers of fluoroquinolone antimicrobials that black-box warnings must be added to the drugs’ labels to warn of risk for possibly permanent nerve damage from antibacterial fluoroquinolone drugs taken by mouth or by injection.

On July 8, the Food and Drug Administration notified the manufacturers of fluoroquinolone antimicrobials that black-box warnings must be added to the drugs’ labels to warn of risk for possibly permanent nerve damage from antibacterial fluoroquinolone drugs taken by mouth or by injection.

The Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery journal’s Clinical Practice Guideline: Adult Sinusitis includes the following paragraph as part of key action statement five related to “choice of antibiotic for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis” (page S17).

Penicillin-allergic patients

For penicillin-allergic patients, either doxycycline or a respiratory fluoroquinolone (levofloxacin or moxifloxacin) is recommended as an alternative agent for empiric antimicrobial therapy. Fluoroquinolones, however, are not recommended for first-line therapy of ABRS in patients without penicillin allergy because outcomes are comparable to amoxicillin- clavulanate, and adverse events are higher in some trials.126 Combination therapy with clindamycin plus a third-generation oral cephalosporin (cefixime or cefpodoxime) is recommended in adults with a history of non–type I hypersensitivity to penicillin.

More from November 2016 - Vol. 35, No. 10
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Section for Residents and Fellows-in-Training (SRF) 2016 Annual Survey results
The SRF vice chair develops and reports the results of the SRF Annual Survey. I thank the residents and fellows who participated in this survey and allowed us to obtain the important information. It is my hope that the information contained in this report will help to enrich our training and ensure that we are maximizing the potential of our training programs.
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Annual Meeting activities extend into the community
On the Saturday before the AAO-HNSF 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO℠, two otolaryngologists, three audiologists, and six audiology doctoral students participated in a hearing screening for children at the San Diego Neighborhood House Association’s (NHA) Webster Head Start location in San Diego. It was the first of what is expected to become an annual event for the community in the host city of the Annual Meeting.
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Proposed CY 2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS): What you need to know
On July 8, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) posted the proposed Medicare physician fee schedule (MPFS) for calendar year (CY) 2017. The Academy submitted comments to CMS on the proposed rule on September 6, and has also developed a Member summary, which details the important proposed requirements.
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A medical journey with Lewis and Clark
One rainy afternoon in May 1804, nearly four dozen carefully selected young men, their two captains, and a dog pushed off in a keelboat and two pirogues up the Missouri River from St. Louis in pursuit of President Thomas Jefferson’s quest to explore the heretofore unknown western regions of the American continent.
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Responsible recycling
Every surgeon has experienced first-hand the amount of medical waste that is generated with every surgical procedure. Countless numbers of paper drapes, gowns, gloves, tubing, gauze linens, and surgical instruments are thrown out at the conclusion of each surgery.
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A life of service
When he was around age 70, Jerrold Polterock, MD, considered hanging up his otoscope. “That was 2008. I was thinking about retirement but that only lasted a few days,” quips Dr. Polterock. “So then I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll go out and do locum tenens.’
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Legislative Advocacy highlights from the Annual Meeting
Once again, Annual Meeting attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the Academy’s federal legislative priorities, grassroots initiatives, and political programs by visiting one, or both, of the Legislative Advocacy booths. Highlights of our Legislative Advocacy successes during Annual Meeting follow.
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Congratulations Regent℠ leadership and staff
Individual sign-up for participation in Regent℠ topped 1,000 academicians and private practitioners prior to the close of its initial introductory period, September 30.
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Board of Governors: The Academy is you
This month, we celebrate and thank the Members of the various AAO-HNS/F committees who have faithfully served over the past year. Originally defined as “the one to whom something has been entrusted,” the idea and implementation of “a committee” has evolved to comprise more than just the individual, but a larger group working as one.
James C. Denneny III, MD AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO
Private practice will thrive
In this issue we spotlight Jerrold Polterock, MD, a semi-retired otolaryngologist practicing in California who has found a very satisfying way to remain active in a field he loves.
Gregory W. Randolph, MD AAO-HNS/F Past President
Pride and privilege
We have an unusual privilege. To meet and quickly enter the lives of our patients in their time of need. To interact humanely and to understand their pain and fear and guide them to a better place.