March 1, 2008

Causes of primary otalgia include otitis media and otitis externa, and the diagnosis is typically apparent on examination. Secondary otalgia has many potential causes, making diagnosis more difficult. If the diagnosis is not clear from the history and physical examination…

A comprehensive sexual history is an important component of primary care and can help identify women with sexual complaints. Although patient education and therapy are the basis of treatment, the role of pharmacotherapy in treating female sexual dysfunction is being investigated.

Causes of urinary retention can be classified as obstructive, infectious and inflammatory, pharmacologic, neurogenic, or other. A thorough history, physical examination, and selected diagnostic testing should determine the cause in most patients and management may include…

Diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome may be challenging because it mimics many hyperkinetic disorders. Treatment can be behavioral, pharmacologic, or surgical, depending on the type and severity of symptoms, and can substantially improve quality of life and functioning in affected…

The Academy's branding initiative was described in this column in the January 1, 2008, issue. A segment of this campaign involves redesigning the Web site to feature the new seal and depict the Academy's position as the “bold champion” for family physicians. The new design of…

President Bush's final budget proposal calls for deep reductions in funding for Medicare and Medicaid programs as well as the elimination of health care initiatives important to primary care. The proposal, which is part of the 2009 fiscal year budget, includes eliminating…

Is fluticasone plus salmeterol better than fluticasone or salmeterol alone for treating patients with COPD? Anticholinergics are the bronchodilators of choice. Neither fluticasone nor the combination of fluticasone and salmeterol were no better than placebo at preventing…

The logic is simple. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are a risk factor for coronary disease. Torcetrapib raises HDL levels; therefore, it should prevent coronary disease. However, Pfizer Inc. recently withdrew its licensing application for torcetrapib…

The choice of antibiotic, timing, dosage and route of administration in hospitalized patients can be improved through educational (persuasive) and restrictive measures. Although both types of interventions are effective, based on heterogeneous studies, restrictive measures…

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective short-term treatment for reflux esophagitis. Histamine H2 blockers are also effective compared with placebo, but are inferior to PPIs. There is limited evidence about adverse events with these therapies, but long-term therapy…

What are the effects of lifestyle and drug interventions and dietary supplements in persons with chronic pancreatitis? What are the effects of nerve blocks for pain relief in persons with chronic pancreatitis? What are the effects of different invasive treatments for specific…

Although alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors each reduce BPH symptoms more than placebo, alpha blockers are more effective than 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

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

The American Heart Association (AHA) has published a scientific statement on drug therapy for the treatment of high-risk lipid abnormalities in children and adolescents.

AAN Releases Recommendations for Treating Lyme Disease Neuroborreliosis

The American Heart Association (AHA) has released guidelines for the use of cardiac computed tomography (CT) when evaluating patients for coronary artery disease.

Tourette's syndrome (too-RETTS SIN-drome) is a disorder that causes tics. Tics are sudden, brief movements (like muscle spasms) or sounds (like words or grunts) that a person repeats over and over. They are hard to control, can be mild to severe, and come and go over time…