March 1, 2005

Universal screening for group B streptococcus (GBS) among women at 35 to37 weeks of gestation is more effective than administration of intrapartumantibiotics based on risk factors. Women with GBS bacteriuria in the currentpregnancy and those who previously delivered a GBS…

This review of the available evidence guides physicians in the use of oral analgesics for acute nonspecific pain.

Clostridium difficile is responsible for up to 20 percent of antibiotic-related casesof diarrhea and nearly all cases of pseudomembranous colitis. C. difficile–associated diarrhea is treated with metronidazole, vancomycin, or both. Judicious useof antibiotics is important in…

Acute pyelonephritis is an infection of the upper urinary tract that is mostcommonly caused by Escherichia coli. Outpatient oral antibiotic therapy with a fluoroquinolone is successful in most patients who have mild uncomplicatedpyelonephritis.

For the past seven years, you have seen Janis Wright’s name as the byline for this page. That it’s not there now is one of the few on-stage signs of major changes going on behind the scenes of AFP in the editorial staff. Janis, who recently used this space to talk about her…

AAFP Program Provides Updates on Health Care Issues | “Together Rx Access” Offers Prescription Drug Discounts to Uninsured | HHS Redistributes $643 Million in Unspent SCHIP Funds | NIH Report Updates List of Cancer-Causing Agents | Genomics CME Video Series Available Online…

There’s something in the air, and it’s affecting death rates in urban communities. A study published in JAMA found that short-term exposure to ozone pollution, caused by cars, power plants, and industry, was associated with higher death rates in 95 urban communities over a 14…

In recent years, many persons with undiagnosed or diagnosed hypertension have begun checking their blood pressure in public places using devices that are provided as a free service by pharmacies or other retail stores. These devices offer persons who might not have the…

“My hands bleed,” Julie proclaimed. “I don’t know whether I need to see a doctor or a priest.” She smiled weakly and asked, “Do the stigmata itch?” The 34-year-old woman looked worn out. I knew she had her hands full juggling a job and raising two young children. Someone had…

Antiplatelet agents should not be used in patients with hypertension and no previous history of heart attack or stroke. However, these agents are recommended for use in hypertensive patients who already have vascular disease. Anticoagulants should not be used for prevention of…

Insulin Monotherapy vs. Combination Therapy

Use of Beta Agonists in Preterm Labo

What are the effects of treatments for unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in term and preterm infants?

Case study: DV, a 35-year-old woman, is concerned about hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after reading about celebrities who have the infection. She has been in a monogamous relationship for 10 years, has never used illicit drugs, and has never received a blood transfusion…

Both FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy are effective in screening for colorectal cancer. FOBT can reduce mortality from colorectal cancer.

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

The National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents has issued its Fourth Report on the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents.

Treatment of Migraine Headache in Children and Adolescents | Availability of 24-Hour Clinician Information Line and Addition of Topics