VIBHA BHATNAGAR, M.D., M.P.H., and ROBERT M. KAPLAN, PH.D.

Controversy surrounds the management options for localized prostate cancer. Because of the uncertain efficacy and risk of long-term complications of conservative management, prostatectomy, and radiation therapy, physicians should engage patients in the decision-making process.

Patient information: "Early Prostate Cancer: What You Should Know,” p. 1929

Editorial: "The Liability of Giving Patients a Choice: Shared Decision Making and Prostate Cancer,” p. 1871

Donald Briscoe, M.D., Hayley Nguyen, M.D., Melanie Mencer, M.D., Neeta Gautam, M.D., and Daniel B. Kalb, M.D., M.P.H.

Physicians should be familiar with the risks and benefits of intervention and expectant management to counsel women with pregnancies beyond 42 weeks' gestation. Antenatal surveillance is used to monitor post-term pregnancies, but there is no evidence that this monitoring improves outcomes. A policy of routine labor induction at 41 weeks' gestation has been shown to reduce rates of cesarean delivery and possibly neonatal mortality.

Patient information: "Post-term Pregnancy: What You Should Know,” p. 1942

RICARDO G. HAHN, M.D., LYNDA M. KNOX, PH.D., and TODD A. FORMAN, M.D., M.S.ED.

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis, scarlet fever, and asymptomatic carrier states are associated with poststreptococcal suppurative and nonsuppurative complications, including rheumatic fever, pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS), and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, which occur most often in children. Although antibiotics reduce the severity of acute symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness, most treated and untreated persons recover by day 7.

A. URSULLA COURTNEY, M.D., DANIEL F. MCCARTER, M.D., and SUSAN M. POLLART, M.D.

Acute care of asthma in children relies on inhaled beta2 agonists and anticholinergics, while chronic care focuses on the use of corticosteroids, leukotriene inhibitors, and nedocromil to control the underlying airway inflammation.

Patient information: "Treating My Child's Asthma,” p. 1969

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