September 1, 2000

Newborns at risk for sickle cell disease should be screened before two months of age to ensure the early institution of lifesaving preventive measures. Prophylactic penicillin initiated soon after birth, as well as the timely administration of Haemophilus influenzae type b and…

The psychologic sequelae of trauma known as post-traumatic stress disorder can affect a wide range of patients seen in family practice. With early identification of persons at risk of this disorder, the symptoms can be prevented or treatment started immediately.

Certain natural supplements may be helpful in the management of common medical conditions, but careful selection of patients and knowledge of side effects are critical components in effective use. In the first part of this two-part article, the role of natural supplements in…

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in older persons. Although treatment guidelines remain controversial, many patients respond to surgical decompression of the spinal cord.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. Treatment goals include symptom management and the identification and prevention of potential cardiovascular risks. The patient's desire for fertility is also an important consideration.

The most common causes of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis. A saline wet-mount preparation, a potassium hydroxide preparation, a litmus test for vaginal pH and a whiff test can help distinguish these infections.

Febrile seizures, rolandic seizures and video game–related seizures are typically not associated with lesions on brain scans and may not require medication. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy does not require neuroimaging but requires medication; complex partial epilepsy often…

A 24-hour urine collection with analysis for urinary free cortisol excretion is the best screening test, but dexamethasone suppression tests and other methods may be required for a definitive diagnosis.

This feature is part of a year-long series of excerpts and special commentaries celebrating AFP's 50th year of publication. Excerpts from the two 1950 volumes of GP, AFP's predecessor, appear along with highlights of 50 years of family medicine.

Colonoscopy is an indispensable part of modern medical practice and one of the most commonly used invasive medical procedures. Like other endoscopic procedures, it has become “despecialized” in recent years and is now performed by physicians in many specialties, including…

Among the top articles published in AFP last year were those nominated for the Kemp Award, which the AAFP presents each year to recognize the most outstanding article written by family physicians, as judged on the basis of quality of editorial presentation, scientific substance…

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

Imagine this dilemma: you're amputating the leg of an elderly patient and discover that a rod previously implanted in the leg is made of titanium. This means the rod is impervious to any of the cutting instruments available to you in the O.R. What do you do? If you're operating…

Family physicians often must counsel patients about preventive measures that may help prevent disease or prolong life. Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer deaths. While we know that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, many physicians are not aware of the…

“Doc,” exclaimed the happy patient, “I did it myself. I'm as good as you are.” This elderly man was described by WLL in a past edition of “Diary” (September 15, 1994). He was WLL's first “cure” of benign positional vertigo (BPV) using the Epley maneuver. The “canalith…

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

(Canada—Canadian Family Physician, April 2000, p. 801.) Although caffeine clearance from the body is usually normal during the first trimester of pregnancy, it is significantly delayed later in pregnancy, extending the half-life of caffeine to more than 10 hours from a normal…

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has developed guidelines on antepartum fetal surveillance. The goal of antepartum fetal surveillance is to prevent fetal death.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, affecting about 125,000 persons 19 years or younger in the United States. Because the majority of these young persons attend school and/or some type of day care, a knowledgeable staff is required to provide a…

It is likely that all physicians, regardless of training, would recognize that this case scenario deals with a seductive patient.

Book Reviews

Sickle cell disease is a blood disease that children inherit from their parents. The disease causes the red blood cells to make abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the part of blood that carries oxygen in the body.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety problem. It can happen after your life is threatened or you see a traumatic event. Usually, the event makes you feel very afraid or helpless. Some examples of the events are war, rape, or a severe car crash.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a compression of the spinal cord in the neck. CSM often affects older adults. In people with CSM, changes in the bones, discs and ligaments of the spine cause pressure on the spinal cord. Some changes are because of normal aging. Some…

If your hormones don't work in the normal way, your ovaries might make too many eggs. Those eggs turn into many cysts. The cysts (say: sists) are like little balloons filled with liquid.

“Cushing's syndrome” is the name for what happens when your body makes too much cortisol. Cortisol is a natural steroid hormone that's like the “cortisone” in some medicines. Your body might make too much cortisol or you might take too much cortisone-like drugs and end up with…