PAUL K. PIETROW, M.D., and MICHAEL E. KARELLAS, M.D.

Although surgical management of urinary calculi has become increasingly tolerable, medical prevention of recurrent calculi is feasible and easily accomplished. Recurrent calculi can be prevented in most patients by a simplified evaluation, reasonable dietary and fluid recommendations, and directed pharmacologic intervention.

Patient information: "Kidney Stones: What You Should Know," p. 99

RUTH LESNEWSKI, M.D., and LINDA PRINE, M.D.

Evidence supports the "quick start" method for initiating hormonal contraceptives: most women may safely begin birth control immediately after an office visit, during or at any point in the menstrual cycle. This strategy eliminates the delay between receiving a prescription and starting the new contraceptive method and may improve patient adherence.

Editorial: "Physical Examination Before Initiating Hormonal Contraception: What Is Necessary?" p. 32

JENNIFER L. JUNNILA, M.D., M.P.H., and VICTORIA W. CARTWRIGHT, M.D., M.S.

A logical and consistent approach to diagnosis is recommended, with judicious use of laboratory and radiologic testing. Change in activity, constitutional symptoms, or abnormal examination findings should raise suspicion for rheumatic disease. Complete blood count, antinuclear antibody level, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate may be useful tests but are not diagnostic.

ROBERT A. SCHWARTZ, M.D., M.P.H., CHRISTOPHER A. JANUSZ, M.D., and CAMILA K. JANNIGER, M.D.

Greasy scales and erythema are common with seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that can occur from infancy to old age. Effective topical therapies include anti-inflammatory agents and keratolytic and antifungal shampoos.