Articles

1650 Diagnosis and Treatment of Otitis Media

KALYANAKRISHNAN RAMAKRISHNAN, MD; RHONDA A. SPARKS, MD; and WAYNE E. BERRYHILL, MD

Diagnostic criteria for acute otitis media include rapid onset of symptoms, middle ear effusion, and signs and symptoms of middle ear inflammation. Observation is an acceptable option in healthy children with mild symptoms. Antibiotics are recommended in all children younger than six months, in those between six months and two years if the diagnosis is certain, and in children with severe infection.

Patient information: "Ear Infections in Children: What You Should Know," p. 1659

1661 The Physical Therapy Prescription

SCOTT E. RAND, MD; CHRIS GOERLICH, MSc, PT; KRISTINA MARCHAND, MD; and NATHANIEL JABLECKI, MD

Various modalities are used to accompany therapeutic exercise and manual techniques in physical therapy. A working knowledge of these interventions will facilitate physical therapy prescribing.

1669 Evaluation of Back Pain in Children and Adolescents

ROBERT M. BERNSTEIN, MD, and HAROLD COZEN, MD

An underlying pathology is usually present in children and adolescents with back pain. The physical examination and history guides treatment decisions and the need for radiologic and laboratory studies.

1679 Chronic Pancreatitis

RAJASREE NAIR, MD; LANIKA LAWLER, MD; and MARK R. MILLER, MD

Chronic pancreatitis is the progressive, permanent destruction of the pancreas resulting in exocrine and endocrine insufficiency and, often, chronic disabling pain. Management begins with lifestyle modification and dietary changes. Before proceeding with endoscopic and surgical interventions, physicians and patients should weigh the risks and benefits of each procedure.

Patient information: "Chronic Pancreatitis: What You Should Know," p. 1693

Departments

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Keeping Up to Date

1695 From the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

• Screening for Chlamydial Infection: Recommendation Statement

1701 Clinical Evidence Concise

• Obesity in Children

1712 Tips from Other Journals

1718 Practice Guidelines

• Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Rhinosinusitis in Adults

Editorial: "Clinical Diagnosis and Evaluation of Sinusitis in Adults," p. 1620

• AAP Releases Recommendations on Overuse Injuries and Overtraining in Child Athletes

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Answering Clinical Questions

1611 CME Quiz

1643 Cochrane for Clinicians

• Aspirin Combined with Clopidogrel (Plavix) Decreases Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

• Patient-Controlled Analgesia for Postoperative Pain

1704 FPIN's Clinical Inquiries

• Group Medical Visits for the Management of Chronic Pain

1709 Photo Quiz

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Commentary

1591 Inside AFP

1605 AFP Journal Club

1614 Letters to the Editor

• Case Report: Amelanotic Melanoma Located on the Lower Extremity

1620 Editorials

• Clinical Diagnosis and Evaluation of Sinusitis in Adults

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Medicine and Society

1599 Newsletter

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Patient Information

1659 Ear Infections

1693 Chronic Pancreatitis

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Reader Services

1595 Strength-of-Recommendation Taxonomy in AFP

1618 Correction

1627 CME Center

1640 Evidence-Based Medicine Glossary

1711 Change-of-Address Form

1726 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. 1611.

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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