• Articles

    Imaging of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

    AMY R. SPARKS, PHILIP L. JOHNSON, MARK C. MEYER

    Various imaging modalities are available for the accurate diagnosis and preoperative evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

    Prealbumin: A Marker for Nutritional Evaluation

    FREDERICK K. BECK, THOMAS C. ROSENTHAL

    Prealbumin is a sensitive indicator of inadequate nutrient intake. In patients at high risk, prealbumin levels determined twice weekly during hospitalization can alert the physician to declining nutritional status, improve patient outcome, and shorten hospitalization.

    Cutaneous Sarcoidosis: A Dermatologic Masquerader

    RAJANI KATTA

    Cutaneous sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease with various clinical manifestations. Known in dermatology as a “great imitator” because of its vast array of morphologies, sarcoidosis can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

    Evaluation of Dysuria in Adults

    JUDY D. BREMNOR, RICHARD SADOVSKY

    Dysuria is a common symptom that usually, but not always, indicates inflammation or infection of the lower urogenital tract.

    Recognition and Management of Acute Pesticide Poisoning

    WILLIAM M. SIMPSON, JR., STANLEY H. SCHUMAN

    Most commonly used pesticides have no specific antidote, making decontamination of the skin, hair, eyes, and gastroesophageal tract the primary mode of intervention. Gathering a complete history of the poisoning also helps determine specific therapeutic needs.

    Feeding Tubes in Patients with Severe Dementia

    INA LI

    Some physicians and family members believe that it is beneficial to use feeding tubes in patients with severe dementia. However, current evidence suggests that tube feeding may not improve outcomes and can cause additional complications, making patients more uncomfortable.

    ANCA-Associated Small-Vessel Vasculitis

    ISHAK A. MANSI, ADRIANA OPRAN, FRED ROSNER

    ANCA–associated small-vessel vasculitis is the most common primary, systemic, small-vessel vasculitis in adults. The incidence is increasing, and the diagnosis and management of patients with this disorder may be challenging because of its variability of clinical expression.

    Hemorrhoidectomy for Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids

    THOMAS J. ZUBER

    External hemorrhoids represent distended vascular tissue in the anal canal distal to the dentate line. Hemorrhoidectomy is performed through an elliptic incision over the site of thrombosis, with removal of the entire diseased hemorrhoidal plexus.

    Inside AFP

    SUNY Family Practice Department in Brooklyn Contributes to ‘Problem-Oriented Diagnosis’ Series

    Janis Wright

    The article “Evaluation of Dysuria in Adults” on page 1589 represents the first of a series contributed by the Department of Family Practice at State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center at Brooklyn College of Medicine. Miriam T. Vincent, M.D., professor and...

    Newsletter

    Newsletter

    Rosemarie Sweeney, Matthew Neff

    FP Is Named Co-Chair of Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS | CDC Report Shows Teenagers Are Still Exposed to Tobacco Advertisements | Elizabeth M. James Duke Is Named Administrator of HRSA | NHSC Will Award Nearly $90 Million in Scholarships and Loan Repayments | In...

    Quantum Sufficit

    Quantum Sufficit

    Heather McNeill, Sarah Morgan

    “You will feel a little pain…” A study published in The Lancet shows that a quick, fingerprick blood test could be used to detect ovarian cancer. Using mass spectroscopy, researchers scanned the blood of 50 patients with ovarian cancer and 50 women without the disease....

    Editorial

    Physical Examination for the Special Olympics

    PETER J. CAREK

    The Special Olympics is a program that allows physically and mentally challenged persons of all levels of ability to take part in organized athletic events.1 The First International Special Olympics Games were held at Soldier Field, Chicago, in 1968. Since then, millions of...

    Diary from a Week in Practice

    Diary from a Week in Practice

    Patients are often concerned about the side effects of medications. But sometimes physicians can take advantage of anticipated side effects and actually use them to treat patients. AT, a second-year resident, learned about this strategy in the family practice clinic. She had...

    U.S. PREVENTIVE SERVICES TASK FORCE: RECOMMENDATIONS AND RATIONALE

    Screening for Skin Cancer: Recommendations and Rationale

    This statement summarizes the current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for skin cancer and the supporting scientific evidence, and it updates the 1995 recommendations contained in the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2d ed.

    Tips

    Discussing Domestic Violence with Family Practice Patients

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Benefits of Nonprescription Cough Medicines Are Unclear

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Long-Term Benefits of Inhaled Corticosteroids

    KARL E. MILLER

    Parameters for Urine Testing in Febrile Infants

    KARL E. MILLER

    Recommended Malaria Prophylaxis for Travelers

    BILL ZEPF

    Inhaled Corticosteroids and Growth in Asthmatic Children

    KARL E. MILLER

    Direct Advertising's Effects on Prescribing Practices

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Radiofrequency Ablation for Unresectable Hepatic Tumors

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Prophylactic Antibiotics Not Needed in All Clean Surgeries

    ANNE D. WALLING

    High Incidence of Breast Cancer in Young Latinas

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Amiodarone and Warfarin Interaction

    KARL E. MILLER

    Routine Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Tests During Labor

    ANNE D. WALLING

    When to Use Drug Therapy in the Treatment of Obesity

    BILL ZEPF

    Discussing Spiritual Issues at the End of Life

    GRACE BROOKE HUFFMAN

    Topical Treatment of Impetigo in Family Practices

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Does Air Pollution Affect Childhood Asthma?

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Practice Guidelines

    American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons: Diagnosis and Treatment of Heel Pain

    Barrett M. Schroeder

    The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) has developed a guideline on heel pain. The guideline contains pathways (algorithms) for the treatment of heel pain based on underlying cause.

    Clinical Briefs

    Clinical Briefs

    Monica Preboth

    CDC Report on U.S. Incidence of Malaria | ACOG Committee Opinion on Exercise in Pregnancy | Botulinum Toxin-A for Neuromuscular Pain | FDA Approves Procleix HIV-1/HCV Assay | Vaccine Shortages and Delays Continue in 2002 | AHRQ Guide to Clinical Preventive Services | FDA...

    Letters to the Editor

    Promoting Breastfeeding

    ALEXANDER K. LEUNG, REGINALD S. SAUVE

    Reducing Barriers to Breastfeeding

    OBAFEMI OKUWOBI

    Information from Your Family Doctor

    Dysuria

    Dysuria is a feeling of pain, burning, or discomfort when you urinate. (Say the word this way: diss-you-ree-ah). It is often caused by an infection in the bladder, vagina or urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside. You might get an...

    Hemorrhoidectomy for Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids

    All people have blood-filled sacs that cushion the passage of stool through the anal canal. When these sacs become stretched and enlarged, they are called hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can occur during or after pregnancy, after long periods in a seated position (such as during...

    Corrections

    Correction

    Question 7 of the “Clinical Quiz” (July 1,2001, page 31), pertaining to the article “Common Anorectal Conditions: Part II. Lesions,” was not clearly worded. Answer choice B should also be a correct response because topical diltiazem is helpful in the treatment of chronic...

    Correction

    Question 18 in “Clinical Quiz” (September 15, 2001, page 921), pertaining to the article “Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure Caused by Systolic Dysfunction: Part II. Treatment,” was inaccurately worded. Answer choice C should refer to exercise-induced asthma rather...



    Disclosure

    All editors in a position to control content for this activity, AFP journal, are required to disclose any relevant financial relationships. View disclosures.


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