January 1, 1999

The first in a two-part series, this article provides general information on the clinical features and epidemiology of hepatitis C and the tests available for diagnosing this infection.

Approximately one third of cases of familial breast cancer are due to an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. The lifetime risk of breast cancer in mutation carriers is above 50 percent.

A poliovirus immunization schedule for children should be based on an understanding of the potential risks, costs and benefits of the three options currently available.

Snowboarding, a popular winter sport, involves riding a single board down a ski slope or on a half-pipe snow ramp. Compared with injuries resulting from traditional alpine skiing, snowboarding injuries occur more frequently in the upper extremities and ankles, and less…

Most groin hernias require surgical repair. The many herniorrhaphy techniques can be grouped into four categories: open anterior repair, open posterior repair, tension-free repair with mesh and laparoscopic procedures.

Mirtazapine exhibits both noradrenergic and serotonergic activity and is effective in the treatment of mild to severe depression. Many physicians consider mirtazapine to be a second- or third-line treatment, for use in patients who have not responded to older antidepressants.

(Australia—Australian Family Physician, July 1998, p. 620.) The role of radiology in the diagnosis of low back pain remains controversial. While many serious conditions may cause low back pain, their prevalence is low in primary care patients. The incidence of compression…

Spotting the “pearls in the muck”—those inspiring moments in day-to-day practice that make family medicine such a special calling—is perhaps one of things that Walter L. Larimore, M.D., and his co-workers do best. In this issue, Walt and six other family physicians in a private…

Selected policy and health issues news briefs from AAFP News Now.

Ever wonder why you can remember your best friend from grade school but not your mom's phone number? Neuroscientists at Stanford University studied brain activity in healthy volunteers who looked at photos of indoor and outdoor scenes and then were shown a larger group of…

During the past decade, several landmark trials have confirmed the benefits of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy for use in patients with heart failure and patients with recent acute myocardial infarction. Despite the strongly favorable evidence and…

Estimates are that as many as 10 percent of breast cancer cases are hereditary and are primarily the result of BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. In this issue of American Family Physician, Rosenthal and Puck1 have skillfully reviewed the genetic risk of breast cancer. They state…

Writing this entry for the 100th Diary has given WLL a chance to reflect on seven years of sharing practice experiences with the family physician community. Since writing that first Diary, WLL and JRH have seen their group grow from two physicians to seven physicians and two…

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

Driving is critical to life in American society. Without a driver's license, it is difficult to be mobile, to be employed and to be a full participant in all aspects of living. Our society recognizes the need for a driver's license and generally makes one available to everyone…

The collaboration between the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) continues with the 1999 harmonized childhood immunization schedule (see page 204). Several important…

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has released the following statement and guidelines concerning interaction between the receiving inpatient care management physician and the referring primary care physician:

“There's a ‘72’ downstairs. You up to it?” Those were the familiar words of one of the senior rape counselors on the phone, a little after 3:00 p.m. that day. “I'm on my way,” I replied, grabbing a clipboard, a blank case file report and a sealed state-issued sexual assault…

Also Received

Almost 4 million people in this country have hepatitis C. This handout will tell you what hepatitis C is and how you can avoid getting it. After you read this handout, talk with your doctor to see if you should have a blood test for hepatitis C.

Talk with your doctor about your family history. Try to be as clear as possible about the relationships between you and family members who have had breast cancer. For example, your doctor will want to know if you are related by blood to these people. Your doctor will also want…

Poliomyelitis (polio, for short) is caused by a virus. The virus can be spread by drinking water with the polio virus in it. It can also be passed by close contact, such as kissing an infected person. Polio is a serious illness. It can cause paralysis (can't move your arms and…

Here are some tips from members of the U.S. Snowboard Team, as well as from recreational snowboarders: