Articles

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1314 Pet-Related Infections

PETER M. RABINOWITZ, MD, MPH; ZIMRA GORDON, DVM, MPH; and LYNDA ODOFIN, DVM, MSPH

Pet-related infections range from self-limited skin conditions to life-threatening systemic illnesses; treatment is infection-specific. Most pet-related infections are preventable with simple measures such as adequate handwashing and proper disposal of animal waste.

1323 Ulcerative Colitis: Diagnosis and Treatment

ROBERT C. LANGAN, MD; PATRICIA B. GOTSCH, MD; MICHAEL A. KRAFCZYK, MD; and DAVID D. SKILLINGE, DO

The differential diagnosis of ulcerative colitis includes any condition that produces chronic, intermittent diarrhea; therefore, clinical history and diagnostic testing are important. Treatment is based on the extent and severity of the disease, with options ranging from corticosteroids to surgery.

Patient information: "Ulcerative Colitis: What You Should Know," p. 1331

1333 Somatoform Disorders

OLIVER OYAMA, PhD, MHS, PA-C; CATHERINE PALTOO, MD, MS; and JULIAN GREENGOLD, MD

Somatoform disorders should be considered early in the evaluation of a patient with unexplained physical symptoms to avoid unnecessary interventions and testing. Treatment of these disorders focuses on management rather than cure, with options including regular follow-up visits, appropriate medications and psychotherapy for comorbidities, and referral to a mental health professional where appropriate.

1341 Second Trimester Pregnancy Loss

THOMAS C. MICHELS, COL (RET.), MC, USA, and ALVIN Y. TIU, LTC, MC, USA

Although uncommon, second trimester pregnancy loss should be regarded as an important event in a woman's obstetric history. Laboratory tests may identify treatable etiologies, and although evidence regarding specific interventions is limited, management of contributing maternal factors is essential.

Patient information: "Pregnancy Loss: What You Should Know," p. 1347

Departments

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Keeping Up to Date

1351 Clinical Evidence Concise

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

1366 Tips from Other Journals

1396 Practice Guidelines

• ACIP Recommendations for the Prevention of Varicella

• ACIP Issues Revised Recommendations on Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine

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Answering Clinical Questions

1277 CME Quiz

1306 Cochrane for Clinicians

• Are Beta Blockers Effective First-line Treatments for Hypertension?

• Effectiveness of Insulin Sensitizing Drugs for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

1357 FPIN's Clinical Inquiries

• Metformin Therapy and Diabetes Prevention in Adolescents Who Are Obese

1361 Photo Quiz

1393 Curbside Consultation

• Addressing a Patient's Refusal of Care Based on Religious Beliefs

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Commentary

1260 Inside AFP

1273 AFP Journal Club

1280 Letters to the Editor

• Implementing Oral Health Screening in Children

1282 Editorials

• Introducing AFP Journal Club-the Story Behind the Study

• The Safety of Caffeine Consumption

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Medicine and Society

1265 Newsletter

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Patient Information

1331 Ulcerative Colitis

1347 Pregnancy Loss

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Reader Services

1262 Strength-of-Recommendation Taxonomy in AFP

1290 Change-of-Address Form

1291 CME Center

• Search Available CME Courses

1305 Evidence-Based Medicine Glossary

1404 Classified Information

This article exemplifies the AAFP 2007 Annual Clinical Focus on management of chronic illness.

This article is included as part of this issue's continuing medical education (CME) activity. See CME Quiz, p. 1277.

This logo designates clinical content that conforms to AAFP criteria for evidence-based continuing medical education (EB CME). EB CME is clinical content presented with practice recommendations supported by evidence that has been reviewed systematically by an AAFP-approved source.

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