December 15, 2007

Patients with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating should be evaluated for celiac disease. Immunoglobulin A tissue transglutaminase antibody testing is recommended, with confirmatory small bowel biopsy in most patients. Adherence…

The differential diagnosis of eyelid erythema and edema is broad, ranging from benign, self-limiting dermatoses to malignant tumors and vision-threatening infections. A definitive diagnosis usually can be made on physical examination of the eyelid and a careful evaluation of…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published revised guidelines for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. Updates include the recommendation to use azithromycin as a first-line treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnant…

Adverse drug events are a common, but often preventable, occurrence in older patients. Use of a multidisciplinary approach and avoidance of prescribing new medications to counteract adverse drug reactions are key.

I have mentioned many times in this column that we are constantly looking for ways to update and improve AFP. As I reflect on the changes and progress we've made during 2007, I again realize how many talented, dedicated people we have who make it a priority to bring you the…

Physician Groups Urge Congress to Adopt New Payment Model | Major New York Insurers Agree to Restructure Physician Ranking Systems | Pay-for-Performance Programs May Not Affect Patient Outcomes | AHRQ Guide Aims to Make Health Information Technology Accessible | Ask and Act…

The personal side of medicine told from the patient's perspective. The patient's story is followed by commentary from a physician and a list of resources.

On the other end of every prescription is a person with a biologic makeup that will react well, poorly, or not at all to the chemical just prescribed.

PTSD is a relatively common and disabling psychiatric condition with a lifetime prevalence of about 8 percent. The condition is not only triggered by combat, but also by natural disasters, accidents, and physical assault such as rape. Although a detailed diagnostic interview is…

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

Telithromycin is similar to clarithromycin with regard to dosing, drug interactions, and effectiveness. It has more frequent and severe adverse effects and is more expensive than other macrolides. Telithromycin should only be used in patients with mild to moderate community…

The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) has updated its 2004 guidelines with evidence-based treatment recommendations for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

CDC Evaluates the Effect of Revised Guidelines on the Prevention of Group B Streptococci Disease

CDC Reports a Decrease in the Incidence of Breast Cancer

Celiac (SEE-lee-ack) disease is a problem that affects your intestines. If you have celiac disease, your body reacts to gluten, which is a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Eating gluten irritates your small intestine and stops your body from absorbing vitamins and minerals…

An STD is a disease that can be passed from person to person through any type of sexual contact. You usually get STDs through vaginal sex, but you can also get them from having oral sex, anal sex, or skin-to-skin contact.