November 1, 2001

Measures to prevent the progression of liver disease include complete abstinence from alcohol, vaccination against hepatitis A and B, avoidance of hepatotoxic medications and supplements, avoidance of iron supplementation (unless iron deficiency anemia is documented), and…

Dermatomyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy of unknown etiology. Early recognition and treatment are vital in decreasing the morbidity associated with systemic complications.

Hypodermoclysis is a safe and simple hydration technique that is suitable for use in many hospitals and home-care situations.

Family physicians are frequently asked to complete disability certification forms for workers and must be familiar with disability systems to effectively address this issue.

A patient with neuropathic joint disease or Charcot foot can offer diagnostic and treatment challenges to the primary care physician. Early recognition of signs and symptoms, and a prompt diagnosis with immobilization of the affected limb, are necessary to prevent or minimize…

ILLUSTRATION BY CYNTHIA J. TURNERAFP has many friends and staff around the country, including connections with Washington, D.C., and New York City. Like many other Americans, AFP's staff members have been affected by the terrorist events of September 11 and the continuing…

Family physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are distinctly different in their clinical training, yet they function interdependently. Together, they represent a significant portion of the primary care work force. Training capacity for these professions has…

Be careful what you swallow. Unfortunately, this was a lesson learned too late for an 86-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. According to a case report in The Lancet, the woman had a history of hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive…

AAFP Elects New Officers and Board Members for Upcoming Year | Publication Provides Guidelines of Physical Activity for Children | Task Force Releases New Recommendations for Management of Diabetes | IOM Issues Report on Vaccines Containing Thimerosal | HHS Awards $227 Million…

Chronic liver disease is a major cause of death in the United States and around the world. We have come to understand that alcohol is not the only cause of cirrhosis. In fact, chronic hepatitis C virus infection is the leading cause of cirrhosis in this country. A substantial…

Hypodermoclysis, the subcutaneous infusion of fluids, has been practiced for almost a century. Despite its successful use, hypodermoclysis remains an underrecognized and underused method of rehydration. In this issue of American Family Physician, Shvartzman and Sasson1 provide…

It was one of those days when there was nowhere in the schedule to squeeze in one more patient. At 4 p.m., the receptionist asked whether she should have Barry come in. Knowing that Barry hated coming to the doctor, she suspected something was wrong. “What's the problem?” I…

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

Bismuth subcitrate, histamine H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors could be recommended for short-term relief of symptoms. Eradication of H. pylori would slightly decrease this patient's chance of having persistent symptoms over the next three to 12 months.

Updated guidelines from the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) provide recommendations for the management of health care personnel who have occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids that might contain hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human…

Report on Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women | Combination Hepatitis Vaccine Approved by FDA | NIA Progress Report on Alzheimer's Disease | FDA Approves Once-a-day Insulin Injection | HTAC Report on Intracoronary Brachytherapy | CDC Updates Health Information for…

Dermatomyositis (DM) (say: derm-at-oh-my-oh-sigh-tis) and polymyositis (PM) (say: polly-my-oh-sigh-tis) are two kinds of muscle diseases. These diseases can cause pain and can make it hard for a person to get around because of muscle weakness.

Hypodermoclysis (say: hi-po-dermo-cli-sis) is a way to replace lost fluids in the body. It is done when a person is too sick to drink enough water or eat enough food. A sick person might not be able to drink enough because of weakness, not wanting food or water, or if they have…

Hypodermoclysis (say: hi-po-dermo-cli-sis) is a way to replace lost fluids in the body. It is done when a person is too sick to drink enough water or eat enough food. A sick person might not be able to drink enough because of weakness, not wanting food or water, or if they have…

Dermatomyositis (DM) (say: derm-at-oh-my-oh-sigh-tis) and polymyositis (PM) (say: polly-my-oh-sigh-tis) are two kinds of muscle diseases. These diseases can cause pain and can make it hard for a person to get around because of muscle weakness.