April 1, 2008

Several pharmacologic interventions have been proven to reduce mortality in patients with heart failure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers should be given to all patients unless contraindicated. Other treatment options include diuretics, aldosterone…

In the evaluation of abdominal pain, the location of pain is an effective starting point. Associated signs and symptoms can further focus the differential diagnosis.

Expanded newborn screening allows for early detection and treatment of metabolic and other disorders. Family physicians should be familiar with the current state of expanded newborn screening to effectively communicate results and formulate interventions. They also should be…

New colonoscopy surveillance guidelines have been released for patients who have had a polypectomy or colorectal cancer resection. Guidelines for follow-up examination depend on factors such as the type and size of polyps removed.

American Family Physician, like most highly respected journals, is peer reviewed to ensure the accuracy and suitability of manuscripts for publication. Authors are encouraged to meet the established standards of the publication to which they submit a manuscript; however, it…

Medicare Spending Proposal Includes Positives, Negatives for Primary Care | Partnership Urges Congress to Block Tightening of Medicaid, SCHIP Eligibility | GAO Report Concludes Physician Payment System Undervalues Primary Care | New and Revised CPT Codes Cover Online-and…

Does the widespread use of the thrombolytic tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) more beneficial or harmful in patients with acute stroke? The benefits must be balanced against the harms. Informed consent is necessary when making the decision.

Post-polypectomy and post-cancer resection surveillance are the most common indications for performing colonoscopy.1 A summary of the new guidelines on colonoscopy surveillance for patients with these indications appears in this issue of American Family Physician.2 Developed…

Although there is evidence that thyroid hormone therapy in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism may improve lipid profiles, cognitive function, and echographic left ventricular function, there is no evidence that this will decrease morbidity or mortality.

Abstinence-plus is sex education that includes information on abstinence, condom use, and contraception. Compared with a variety of controls—including usual care, no intervention, or other programs—there is no evidence of increased rates of pregnancy or sexually transmitted…

This statement summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for carotid artery stenosis and the supporting scientific evidence, and updates the 1996 recommendations contained in the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2nd ed.

There is no “gold standard” to measure the QOL in older persons with dementia. For those requiring increased care, nursing homes may offer some benefit, including more frequent physician assessment and treatment of pain and depression, compared with assisted living/residential…

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

Patients who present to the clinic without having followed the treatment plan endorsed at previous visits may frustrate us on both professional and personal levels.

The Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has reassessed the use of neuroimaging in patients presenting to the emergency department with seizure.

In April 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an alternative schedule for the combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine Twinrix (GlaxoSmithKline).

Heart failure is one of the most common causes of heart-related illness and death in the United States. It happens when the heart can't pump enough blood through your body. The blood backs up and fluid clogs your veins, tissues, and lungs.

A colonoscopy (coh-lo-NOS-co-pee) is a test that checks the colon for cancer and other diseases. To do this, your doctor looks into your rectum and colon with a long flexible tube that has a tiny camera at the end of it. If your doctor finds growths, called polyps (PAW-lips…