July 1, 2008

An expert panel of the American Medical Association retrieved, systematically reviewed, and translated evidence into recommendations on how best to manage and prevent obesity in children. Key dietary and lifestyle habits should be addressed annually in all children. A four…

Diabetic foot infection is associated with a high morbidity and risk of lower extremity amputation. Diagnosis is based on the classic signs and symptoms of local inflammation, and early recognition can facilitate appropriate management and prevent progression of the infection…

The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is based on clinical suspicion and spirometry confirmation. Although cigarette smoking is the primary risk factor for the disease, other risk factors are responsible for an increasing number of cases.

It is important to monitor blood pressure in pregnant women because hypertensive disorders are the most common medical complications of pregnancy. The severity of disease and gestational age determine the appropriate management approach for preeclampsia. Seizure prophylaxis…

Just as physicians attend conferences or continuing medical education programs, journalists and publishing professionals join various organizations and attend conferences to keep up to date on industry trends and to improve their skills. I recently attended the annual meeting…

AARP Campaign Aims to Block Legislation That Would Increase Beneficiary Premiums | System to Track Postmarketing Safety of Prescription Drugs and Medical Devices | Pilot Project Links Medical Home Model with New Physician Payment Methodology | Survey Shows That Access to Care…

Can patients with mild persistent asthma safely decrease or eliminate inhaled steroids? The results of these studies may not be generalizable to the average primary care patient. Patients should be appropriately classified and treated using 2007 National Asthma Education and…

Most primary care physicians know that the rates of childhood obesity in the United States have more than doubled in less than 30 years, with no signs of slowing down. The rates of comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, are also increasing.1,2 And yet, there is still a…

Although antidepressants have been shown to be superior to placebo in some forms of chronic pain, they do not reduce pain or improve functional status or depression in patients with nonspecific low back pain.

It is uncertain whether OTC cough medications are effective in reducing cough symptoms in adults; in children, no trials show a statistically significant benefit in the treatment compared with the placebo groups. Overall, the quality of evidence is poor; adult studies show…

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

This statement summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations and supporting scientificevidence on screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy to prevent preterm delivery. See Table 1 for a description of the USPSTF grades and Table 2 for a…

Evidence from small trials suggests that leukotriene receptor antagonists may have short-term effectiveness in reducing sleep disturbance and the observed intensity of atopic dermatitis in adults and children.

In 2007, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) published treatment recommendations for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Management of OCD can involve many therapeutic actions depending on the needs, capacities, and desires of the patient.

Treatment of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is complicated by antimicrobial resistance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed surveillance data of invasive pneumococcal disease and examined…

A formula called the body mass index (BMI) can help figure out a child's weight status. A BMI shows the relationship between a child's height and weight. You can find out if your child has a healthy BMI by using the following calculator: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi…

It is an infection in the skin, muscles, or bones of the foot in people who have diabetes.

The article “Diagnosis and Treatment of Otitis Media,” (December 1, 2007, page 1650) contained an error in Table 5 on page 1654. The dosage for acetaminophen was incorrectly listed as 1 mg per kg every six hours; the correct dosage is 15 mg per kg every six hours. The corrected…