May 15, 2006

In assessing patients with microscopic hematuria, cytology plus intravenous urography, computed tomography, or ultrasonography should be considered. When urine cytology results are abnormal, cystoscopy should be performed.

Most febrile seizures are self-limited and do not require treatment. Evaluation of the patient for treatable causes of the febrile illness is the most important initial step.

Depending on the etiology, thyroiditis may be painful and tender or painless, and thyroid function may be normal, elevated, depressed, or evolving. Diagnosis is by clinical context and findings, with treatment directed at symptomatic relief of pain and restoration of normal…

These sexually transmitted infections may manifest as a broad range of symptoms and can affect urogenital, anorectal, pharyngeal, and conjunctival areas. Treatment usually includes cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones.

Under the direction of Editor Jay Siwek, M.D., the AFP medical editors examine each manuscript and department for accuracy and practicality. This second in a three-part profile looks at AFP's four associate editors. Four other editors were highlighted in the May 1 issue; the…

CMS to Cover Shortfalls in States' Children's Health Insurance Funds | Reports Find Costs Restrict Health Technology Implementation | Family Physician Gives Invited Testimony on EHR Difficulties | HHS and China Expand Cooperation in Health and Medical Science | FDA Adopts…

Are some people genetically predisposed to anorexia nervosa? New research published in the Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that 56 percent of the risk for developing the disease is genetic. Researchers reviewed data on more than 31,000 Swedish twins born between 1935…

Screening for colon cancer affords family physicians an opportunity to affect the health of their patients. High-quality evidence has proved that screening saves lives,1,2 and colon cancer screening falls well within accepted cost-effectiveness parameters.3 Furthermore, a menu…

Neck pain caused by blunt trauma from a motor vehicle collision, fall, or other injury is a common occurrence. Many patients who decline ambulance transport after an injury will present to their primary care physician rather than the emergency department. Two clinical rules…

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

Case study: EH is a five-year-old boy seeing you for a routine well-child examination. His mother is concerned about his weight. He weighs 55 lb (25 kg), and his height is 42.5 in (108 cm). His body mass index (BMI) is 21.4 kg per m2, which places him in the 95th percentile for…

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is a reliable, reversible, low-maintenance method of long-term contraception. Rates of failure are similar to those of female sterilization, and the risk of expulsion is minimal for most users.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its strategy to eliminate hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating an outbreak of mumps that began in Iowa in December 2005. Other cases that were thought to be linked to the Iowa outbreak were being investigated in Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and…

A subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) reviewed articles on carotid endarterectomy to assess the effectiveness of the procedure in preventing stroke in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis.

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) published statistics on personal health assessment, reporting that American Indian/Alaskan Native and black adults were less likely than white or Asian adults to assess their health as excellent or very good.

Microscopic hematuria (say: HEE-ma-tur-ee-uh) is a small amount of blood in your urine. The amount of blood is so small that it does not change the color of your urine. It can only be seen through a microscope.

Febrile (say: FEB-rile) seizures are convulsions (severe shaking of the body) caused by a fever in infants and young children. During a febrile seizure, the child's arms and legs shake. Most febrile seizures last a minute or two, but they can range from a few seconds to more…

Gonorrhea (say: gon-or-EE-ah) is an infection caused by germs. It can affect a woman's cervix (the opening to the womb) and a man's penis. It also can affect the rectal area, throat, and eyes. You can get gonorrhea by having sex (vaginal, oral, or anal) with a person who has…

Several things can make traveling by plane more comfortable. The air in airplanes is dry. You should drink plenty of nonalcoholic drinks so you won't get dehydrated.

Your body has an internal “clock” that controls your temperature, blood pressure, and hormones. When you travel across several time zones in one day, your internal clock can get out of step. This is called jet lag.

It is a good idea to have medical and dental check-ups before your trip. You should be aware of any problems and find out about any medicines you should take. Also, remember that your health insurance may not pay for treatment in another country. Find out what your insurance…