April 18, 2000
Dear Colleagues:
   Effective today, there is a new community acquired pneumonia clinical trial
now available for our patients who require hospitalization! This randomized,
double blind, multi-center clinical trial compares IV Levaquin vs a new IV
Bayer quionolone (BAY 12-8039). In both arms, patients initially receive a 3
days minimum of IV antibiotics. Please consider referring patients for this
trial if they:
1) Are 18 or older;
2) Require hospitalization for CAP;
3)  Have radiologic evidence of an infiltrate
   A complete list of inclusion/exclusion criteria are attached.
   Also, please remember the HMR Outpatient Pneumonia trial is ongoing for
patients who have pneumonia who are discharged home.
   Patients benefit from participation in these trials for several reasons,
including medication and close follow-up--all free of charge. Previous
subjects have been very happy with their care and the extra attention and
education that they receive as part of the research protocol.
   If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Susan (ext.
5827/pager 1065), Pam (ext 5827/pager 591-6503), or Greg (ext 5772/pager
1582).
   On behalf of the entire research team as well as our patients who participate
in the trials, we thank you for your support and referrals!
Wishing you health, Greg Larkin, Pam Cockley, Susan Mathias, On behalf of the
entire research team