January 1, 2007

The diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected lung cancer includes tissue diagnosis, a complete staging work-up, and a functional patient evaluation. Treat-ment and prognosis depend on the type and stage of the tumor. Smoking cessation remains the most important factor…

Leukotriene inhibitors are a popular prescription for the management of per-sistent asthma because of their convenient dosing, perceived ease of use, and con-cerns about the adverse effects of long-term inhaled corticosteroid use. However, evidence is mixed concerning their…

Although diagnostic criteria for depression in children and adolescents are similar to those for adults, symptom expression may vary with developmental stage. Safe and effective treatment requires accurate diagnosis, suicide risk assessment, and use of evidence-based therapies.

Advances in treatment options for vascular illnesses have changed the way carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and peripheral arterial disease are managed. Family physicians have a role in vascular screening, diagnosis, and referring patients for treatment when…

During the past 55 years, the AFP Newsletter has covered a full range of issues relevant to medicine. As with all news, some of those issues have come and gone over the years, while others have remained critical to physicians. This issue of Inside AFP gives a brief overview of…

It isn't fiction—writing work-shops may help residents better connect with their patients, says a study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. According to the authors of the study, writing can help residents develop observational skills and empathize with their patients…

Medicaid Commission Releases Recommendations for Sustainability | CCHIT Certification Expanded to Include Products for Some Specialties | CMS Increases Payment Rate for Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Testing | Studies Question Use of Antibiotics for Respiratory Tract Infections | AAP…

A medical intervention that is a true preventive tool and a good reason for anticipatory guidance and education does not come along often; the new human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is both. In June 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on…

Compared with conservative management, early invasive treatment of patients with UA or NSTEMI using coronary angiography with or without revascularization reduces rehospitalization and refractory angina within the first year and significantly reduces mortality and myocardial…

Hepatitis B Vaccine for Infants of HBsAg-Positive Mothers

Humidified Air for Croup?

What are the effects of surgical interventions for hip fracture? What are the effects of perioperative medical interventions on surgical outcome and prevention of complications?What are the effects of rehabilitation interventions and programs after hip fracture?

In patients with acute sciatica, bed rest and advice to stay active have similar outcomes on their functional status and perceived improvement.

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

This scenario represents a familiar situation: a conscientious physician torn between pressing responsibilities to her patient and colleagues and her responsibility to her baby.

The arrival of the new 2007 recommended immunization schedules serves as a call for the evolution of preventive care for children and adolescents to be guided by intelligent and thoughtful design.

Advances in ultrasonography have led to new methods of management of alloimmunization in pregnant women and may allow for a more thorough and less invasive workup with fewer maternal and fetal risks, according to a practice bulletin by the American College of Obstetricians and…

Depression is an illness that makes you feel sad or hopeless. If your child has depression, he or she may seem less confident or lose interest in things he or she used to enjoy. Your child may have trouble focusing, or seem grouchy or angry. He or she may not want to go to…