October 1, 2007

Chronic foot pain is a common and disabling condition that has a broad spectrum of potential causes. In addition to a careful history and physical examination, imaging tests can be useful for diagnosis and management. The American College of Radiology has developed an…

The most common causes of respiratory distress in the newborn are transient tachypnea of the newborn, respiratory distress syndrome, and meconium aspiration syndrome. Mild distress may warrant observation and pulse oximetry; severe distress requires immediate resuscitation…

Bell's palsy is a peripheral palsy of the facial nerve that results in unilateral facial weakness. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of patients will have their symptoms resolve spontaneously; however, treatment started within three days of the onset of symptoms is recommended to…

The main causes of peptic ulcer disease in the United States are infection with Helicobacter pylori and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients who are older than 55 years or whose symptoms indicate a complication or malignancy should have prompt endoscopy. In…

Today we honor one of our own, Dr. Karl Miller, assistant medical editor, who died recently of rapidly progressive kidney cancer. Karl had been with AFP for 10 years. He edited manuscripts, wrote Tips from Other Journals, and supervised the Newsletter department. But more than…

Legislation Proposes Changes in Tamper-proof Prescription Pad Law | False Claims Rule Has Relatively Small Impact on Family Physicians | Study Shows Primary Care Plays Central Role in Reducing Hospitalizations | AAFP Congress of Delegates Acts on Proposed Bylaw Amendments…

According to a survey conducted by Learndirect, an adult learning organization based in the United Kingdom, 10 percent of parents have difficulty understanding the bedtime stories they read to their children. The survey included 1,000 parents, each of whom had one or more…

In a recent AFP article on sideline management of head and neck injuries, Dr. White-side correctly stated that there is no general agreement on clinical markers of concussion severity or on the appropriate management of concussions.1 However, experts have provided physicians…

Pioglitazone produces a reduction in A1C levels similar to that produced by other drugs. One trial found that although pioglitazone, used as an adjunct to other antihyperglycemic medications, may lead to a statistically significant reduction in morbidity and mortality in…

Opioid Analgesia During Evaluation of Acute Abdominal Pain

Repeat Cesarean Delivery vs. Planned Induction of Labor

What are the effects of drug treatments for primary hyperthyroidism? What are the effects of treatments for subclinical hyperthyroidism?

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

Most alternatives to statin therapy reduce cholesterol levels but do not consistently demonstrate a reduction in cardiac-related and all-cause mortality in patients with or without coronary heart disease (CHD). Fibrates and niacin decrease the risk of major coronary events…

The dilemma in the scenario concerns a colleague who displays a pattern of failing to perform the group's best practices.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released updated recommendations for influenza control for the 2007–08 season.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have monitored the postmarketing safety of Rotateq through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System and the Vaccine Safety Datalink. The CDC determined that there was not a…

Letter

Bell's palsy is a paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. It usually develops over one to three days, and then slowly improves or completely goes away in one to three months. Most people with Bell's palsy recover, but some are left with weakness on one side of the…

A peptic ulcer is a sore in your stomach or small intestine. It happens when the juices that help break down food damage the lining of your stomach or intestine. Ulcers usually affect people who are 25 to 64 years of age.