January 15, 2009

Disorders of skin pigmentation commonly seen by family physicians include postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, solar lentigines, ephelides, caféaulait macules, and vitiligo. Treatment varies by disorder, but may include topical agents, cryotherapy, laser therapy…

Antenatal screening and diagnostic testing for chromosomal abnormalities should be offered to all pregnant women before 20 weeks’ gestation. First-trimester options include chorionic villus sampling and nuchal translucency testing. Second-trimester options include quadruple…

Chronic insomnia may be primary or secondary to another condition. Nonpharmacologic treatment involves cognitive behavior therapies, such as sleep hygiene education and relaxation techniques.

Topical corticosteroids are effective for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and lichen sclerosus. Physicians should consider the delivery vehicle, potency, frequency of application, and potential side effects before prescribing an…

When it comes to occupational lung disease, most physicians are familiar with well-known risks such as long-term exposure to asbestos or coal dust. However, occupational exposures may be responsible for approximately 15 percent of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and adult…

MedPAC Considers Recommending Physician Payment Increase for 2010 | Physician Organizations Urge CMS to Fix Problems with Medicare’s PQRI Program | AHRQ Study Shows That E-Prescribing Systems May Lead to Savings in Drug Costs | HHS Secretary Releases New Principles and Toolkit…

The recent growth in the use of emergency departments (EDs) is costly, undesirable, and unnecessary. This trend is partly due to a growing proportion of persons who lack a usual source of care. This group is increasingly likely to rely on EDs for their health care needs…

Case study: K.A. is a 63-year-old man who presents for a routine wellness examination. His blood pressure and cholesterol level are within normal limits, and he has no history of tobacco use or heart disease.

Tinidazole is generally an expensive alternative to metronidazole for the treatment of trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. It offers little, if any, advantage with regard to safety, tolerability, and effectiveness; however, its once-daily dosing and shorter course of…

What are the effects of initial and maintenance treatment of GERD associated with esophagitis?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released the 2009 recommended adult immunization schedule.

Letter

They are tests to see if your baby is at risk of a genetic disorder, such as Down syndrome. Genetic disorders happen when your baby does not have the normal number of chromosomes, which contain the baby’s genes, or when there are problems with the brain or spine. Not all…

Insomnia (in-SOHM-nee-uh) is when you have trouble sleeping. Chronic insomnia is when your sleeping problem lasts for four weeks or longer. This causes you to feel tired and have less energy. You may also worry about being able to sleep. Some people with insomnia fall asleep…