October 15, 2006

This continuum of abnormalities in the immature hip can range from subtle dysplasia to dislocation. Risk factors include breech positioning, family history, and female sex. Careful physical examination is recommended as a screening tool; early diagnosis helps improve treatment…

This disease usually presents in infancy as difficult bowel movements, poor feeding, and abdominal distention. Although surgery usually is indicated, the family physician’s role includes making an early diagnosis and prompt referral for treatment, monitoring for complications…

Prevention recommendations for cardiovascular disease have not been optimally applied to women. The American Heart Association’s guidelines provide a plan for assessment and treatment of cardiovascular disease risk in women and for personalization of recommendations.

Although opioid analgesics are valuable for treating pain, adverse effects may limit their use. Understanding the mechanism of these effects can help determine the appropriate agent and aid in selection of tactics to reduce adverse effects.

Sideline physicians must be prepared with an organized approach to detect and manage head and neck injuries. Because these injuries often occur simultaneously, the head and neck evaluations should be combined into a seamless examination.

As we have mentioned before, we receive comments, suggestions, and questions from readers in various ways. We read many comment cards and e-mails from readers to keep up to date with their needs and ideas. One question we hear repeatedly is, “Do you accept case studies for…

Physician Leaders, Congress Discuss Medicare Physician Payment Cuts | Insurance Data May Build Pressure for Overhaul of Health Care System | IOM Finds Investment of Resources Inadequate to Address Obesity Crisis | Researchers Assess Ways to Involve Communities in Diabetes…

Assault by egg? The phrase, “Here’s egg in your face,” takes on a more literal meaning for researchers whose study appears in Emergency Medicine Journal. They evaluated 13 patients who reported eye injuries caused by thrown raw eggs, eight of which were major ocular injuries…

Up to 90 percent of hip dysplasia cases identified during the first six weeks of life resolve spontaneously.1 The effectiveness of universal screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in preventing long-term disability is unknown. One British study reported in 1998…

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women and has claimed the lives of more women than men annually since 1984. A woman’s risk of dying from CVD is one in 2.4; her risk of death from breast cancer is around one in 29.1 Despite the seeming ubiquity…

Although syncope often is benign, it may have a serious underlying cause. An important question for primary care or emergency department physicians is whether the patient can be evaluated safely in the outpatient setting.

Case study: R.F. brings her three-year-old daughter in for a routine well-child examination. R.F. says that she is not concerned about her daughter’s development, but that her friend’s preschooler is being evaluated for a possible speech delay.

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

Although bulk or osmotic laxatives are less expensive first options for treating patients with chronic idiopathic constipation, lubiprostone is an alternative for those who do not tolerate or respond to these agents, or in patients older than 65 years in whom tegaserod use is…

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has developed new guidelines for the management of abnormal cervical cytology and histology. Because management in some instances differs for adolescent patients, ACOG also created guidelines specific to this…

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement, “Active Healthy Living: Prevention of Childhood Obesity Through Increased Physical Activity,” addresses how physicians can encourage physical activity in children and adolescents who are currently or are at risk of…

People with Hirschsprung’s (HERSH-sprungz) disease don’t have certain nerve cells in their large bowel (part of the digestive system). These cells are called ganglion (gang-GLEE-on) cells. The bowel won’t work right without them (see drawing). Most people with this disease…

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is when there are changes in your blood vessels. These changes are caused by age and unhealthy habits, like smoking. They also can run in families. Having CVD makes you more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. In the United States, more than 10…

Stress is caused by the body’s instinct to defend itself. This instinct is good to have in emergencies, such as getting out of the way of a speeding car. But it can cause physical problems if it goes on for too long. When you have stress caused by life’s daily challenges, your…

People with good emotional health are in control of their thoughts, feelings, and the way they act. They feel good about themselves and have good relationships. They can keep problems under control.

Anxiety (ang-ZY-uh-tee) can be a normal “alarm system” alerting you to danger. Your heart beats fast. Your palms get sweaty. Your mind races. Sometimes anxiety can give you energy to get things done. But anxiety can get out of control and make you feel afraid for no reason.

When doctors talk about depression, they mean the medical illness called major depression. Someone with major depression has symptoms like those listed in the box below nearly every day, all day, for two weeks or longer. If you’re depressed, you may also have headaches, other…