December 1, 2003

Infections of the hand, such as paronychia, felon, herpetic whitlow, and pyogenic flexortenosynovitis, and infections caused by clenched-fist injuries can result in significant morbidity ifnot appropriately diagnosed and treated.

The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus requires the presence of four of 11 clinical and laboratory criteria. Antinuclear antibody titer, the primary laboratory test used to diagnose the disease, has limitations and should be obtained only in patients with unexplained…

Family physicians must consider potential drug toxicity and interactions in patients who are receiving long-term amiodarone therapy.

Breastfeeding rates in the United States have improved but remain below the Healthy People 2010 goals. A breastfeeding plan can help working mothers anticipate logistical problems and devise practical pumping schedules.

Fever of unknown origin in adults is defined as a persistent temperature higher than 38.3°C (100.9°F) with no obvious source. A cost-effective, individualized approach is essential in the evaluation of these patients.

On page 2199 of this issue, you'll find an article titled “Returning to Work While Breastfeeding,” by Frances Biagioli, M.D., Oregon Health & Science University of Medicine, Portland. Dr. Biagioli provides a review of breastfeeding that will help family physicians provide…

AAFP Releases Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule | NRMP Requires Residency Programs to Reveal Contract Terms | CDC Report Shows Decline in U.S. Pregnancy Rate, Births, and Abortions | HHS Launches Effort to Identify Undiagnosed Cases of Diabetes | NCI, FDA Partner on Two…

Dark chocolate might reduce blood pressure? Now that would be a good thing! As reported in a research letter published in JAMA, 13 adults with untreated mild hypertension were randomly assigned to receive polyphenol-rich dark chocolate bars or polyphenol-free white chocolate…

A young family physician recently returned to practice after taking a two-month maternity leave. She was grateful to her two male senior partners for allowing her to be at home with her first child. Although being away from her infant was difficult, she was excited about seeing…

A history of cough and fever for a week was the chief complaint of Victor, a young man who was the last patient of the day. But, he also complained of fatigue and malaise for at least two months. The reasons became more evident as he told his story. A native of Columbus, Victor…

Metformin therapy improves fasting insulin levels and blood pressure. It has no clinically significant effect on body weight, waist:hip ratio, or LDL cholesterol level. Metformin, taken with or without clomiphene, appears to be an effective first-line agent for ovulation…

What are the effects of antiviral treatment of influenza in adults?

Synopsis: Escitalopram (Lexapro) is the active s-enantiomer of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), citalopram (Celexa). It is labeled for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

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

A report on the prevention and control of influenza and guidelines for using intranasally administered, trivalent, cold-adapted, live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) has been released by he Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease…

AHRQ Criteria on Disability in Infants and Children | CDC Guidelines for Infection Control | New Web Site on Hormone Therapy | FDA Approval

Letter

Breastfeeding is good for your baby—and for you. It provides the best nutrition for your baby and protects your baby against many illnesses. The American Academy of Family Physicians, along with other physician and public health groups, recommends that babies be breastfed or be…