December 1, 2006

Parent-focused and environmental strategies are effective in preventing injuries, particularly those occurring in young children at home. Priority topics for office-based injury prevention counseling include the use of motor vehicle passenger restraints, smoke detectors, and…

Oncologic emergencies usually are metabolic, hematologic, structural, or side effects from treatment agents. Family physicians should be familiar with these emergencies because treatment often is necessary before referral.

Erythema multiforme, a skin condition considered to be a hypersensitivity reaction to infections or drugs, consists of a polymorphous eruption of macules, papules, and characteristic “target” lesions. Management involves treating the existing infectious agent or discontinuing…

Because of the increasing availability of assays for the measurement of brain natriuretic peptide levels, testing for this cardiac hormonemay have a role in detecting, monitoring, and possibly preventing chronic heart failure.

Medical journals need to continually reevaluate their policies, procedures, content, and style to remain a current and valid source of information. I’d like to draw your attention to a few changes we have made at AFP recently.

Selected policy and health issues news briefs from AAFP News Now.

Would you like latex with that? A study in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture says that consumers may get more than they bargained for when it comes to food packaging and latex. Researchers analyzed packaging from 21 different foods—including fruits, vegetables…

Despite decreased rates in the past decade, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) continues to be the leading cause of infant deaths in the United States after the neonatal period.1 In October 2005, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated recommendations on SIDS…

The care that patients receive too often depends on where they live, their race, or their physician. Large variations have been found in rates of hysterectomy, mammography, A1C testing, hip replacement, spinal surgery, and hospital admission that cannot be explained by…

Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC [Actiq]), a rapid-acting opioid, has been shown to be an effective treatment for breakthrough cancer pain. Other opioids, including immediate-release oral morphine (MSIR), also may be effective; however, evidence comparing these agents…

Patching for Corneal Abrasions?

Beta-Blocker Use in Patients with COPD

What are the effects of treatments for acute asthma in children? What is the effect of single-agent prophylaxis in children taking inhaled beta agonists as needed for asthma?What are the effects of additional prophylactic treatments in patients with childhood asthma that is…

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

The risks of using oral combination contraceptives include: a three- to sixfold increase in the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) apparent by the fourth month of use and highest between six and 12 months of use; a two- to sixfold increase in the risk of ischemic stroke…

This scenario raises complex ethical questions. The physician-patient relationship is characterized by a network of obligations and expectations that becomes more complex when patients with close ties are treated by the same physician.

Improving preconception health care can result in improved reproductive health outcomes and has the potential to reduce societal costs, as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed recommendations for physicians and public health officials that aim to…

Meningococcal Vaccine Supply Increased; Deferral Request Lifted

ACOG Recommends That Physicians Restrict Episiotomy

Self-study Course in Epidemiology Now Available Through CDC Web Site

Influenza Vaccination for Secondary Prevention in CVD

The most common causes of injuries in this age group are car crashes, bicycle crashes, and fires.

Fact: Although 25 percent of people think they’re allergic to certain foods, studies show that about only 8 percent of children and 2 percent of adults have a food allergy.

Celiac (SEAL-ee-ack) disease causes problems in your intestines when you eat gluten, which is in wheat, rye, barley, and oats.

If you have lactose intolerance, you have trouble digesting milk, cheese, and other dairy products. This condition is most common in people of Asian, American Indian, Hispanic, South American, or black heritage.