November 15, 2001

The etiology and pathophysiology of aortic regurgitation are important factors to consider in determining if or when valve replacement is indicated. Guidelines developed by a joint task force from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association can help…

The management of hypothyroidism focuses on ensuring that patients receive appropriate thyroid hormone replacement and monitoring their response to therapy. Laboratory values should be assessed six to eight weeks after any dosage change.

Clinicians should be aware that gynecologic complications may be the initial manifestations of Crohn's disease.

Strategies to prevent complications in patients with cirrhosis include yearly endoscopy to detect varices, beta blockers for prophylaxis against varices, screening to detect early hepatocellular carcinoma, appropriate immunizations, maintenance of a balanced diet, careful…

NASBO Director Says Outlook for State Budgets Is Bleak | Physicians with Heart Trip to Moldova Is Modified | HHS Report Shows Current Rates of Drug Use Are Unchanged | Report Stresses Need for Physical Education Programs in Schools

ILLUSTRATION BY FLOYD E. HOSMERAs I mentioned in the previous “Inside AFP,” our editors will be working to provide information to help our readers respond to threats of bioterrorism. AFP's editor Jay Siwek, M.D., and editorial fellow Margaret Gourlay, M.D., Washington, D.C…

The biologic contributions of bulimia nervosa may all be in the recovering bulimic’s head. Literally. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that the brains of patients who have recovered from bulimia nervosa show persistent changes. Positron emission…

As highlighted in “Inside AFP” in the previous issue of American Family Physician,1 the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has taken action in response to the recent terrorist attacks in the United States. Three weeks after the September 11 tragedy, the AAFP's Annual…

The article “Diagnosis and Management of Malignant Melanoma” (April 1, 2001, page 1359) requires some clarifications. The article states on page 1363 in the third line of the right-hand column that pruritus, ulceration and bleeding in a mole are common early warning symptoms of…

A 78-year-old man who was a long-time patient of HBK's presented to JDF with weakness and shortness of breath. The physical examination revealed a pale, diaphoretic patient with bibasilar crackles, pitting edema, hypotension and bradycardia. ECG suggested posterior myocardial…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a report on the investigation of recent cases of anthrax exposure. Interim guidelines for postexposure prophylaxis for prevention of inhalational anthrax and other information to assist epidemiologists, physicians…

AAP Statement on Condom Use in Adolescence | Management of Coexisting Cataract and Glaucoma | ACEP/ACS Guidelines for Equipping Ambulances | Guide for Prevention of Underage Drinking | FDA Approves Breath Test for <i>H. Pylori</i> Infection

If the liver is damaged, scars can form. When the liver has a lot of scar tissue, blood will not easily flow through it. Cirrhosis is the name for a scarred liver. (Say this: sir-oh-sis.) Cirrhosis keeps the liver from working the way it should. A liver with cirrhosis can't…