December 15, 2009

When prescribing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammation, pain, or fever, physicians should be aware of the patient's risk factors for complications.

Maternal and fetal risk factors influence the use of intrapartum fetal monitoring. Categorization of fetal heart rate tracings depends on multiple components.

Evening primrose oil is a supplement of essential fatty acids known for its use in the treatment of several conditions, but there is limited evidence to support its therapeutic effectiveness.

Symptoms can range from rash or blisters to nausea, vomiting, or anaphylactic shock. Risk factors include spina bifida, occupational exposure to latex, multiple surgeries, and allergies to certain foods.

Prevalence is highest in men younger than 40 years, in whom the condition is often benign and self-limited, and observation is usually all that is needed formanagement. Extensive evaluation for more serious underlying causes, including prostate cancer, is necessary in patients…

For this common cause of hip pain, radiography, magnetic resonance arthrography, and injection of local anesthetic can confirm the diagnosis. Physical therapy or arthroscopy often allows patients to resume premorbid physical activities.

Early diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus identifies patients needing treatment and could prevent transmission to others. Whether screening is performed using a routine or risk-based approach, more widespread testing is the goal.

The medical illustrators who create the art used on AFP covers, within articles, and in patient handouts are talented professionals, and their work enhances the quality, readability, and value of AFP articles. We rarely have an opportunity to thank these individuals personally…

AAFP Applauds House Passage of Bill to Fix Sustainable Growth Rate Formula | Demand Outpacing Supply of Vaccines for H1N1 and Seasonal Flu | USPSTF Makes Changes to Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations | CMS Extends 2010 Medicare Provider Participation Enrollment Period…

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used effectively for the treatment of pain conditions and inflammation over the past 100 years and are among the most commonly used drugs worldwide. However, during the last decade there have been increased concerns…

What are the effects of treatments for acute attacks and prophylaxis of migraine headache in children?

Sinecatechins offers no clear advantage with regard to safety and tolerability. Indirect comparisons with other treatments suggest that sinecatechins may be more effective, with fewer recurrences of warts following successful treatment, but direct comparisons are lacking.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for phenylketonuria (PKU) in newborns.

Aspirin should not be used to treat acute febrile viral illness in children.

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

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

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has produced guidelines for physicians caring for patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome is an inherited cancer-susceptibility syndrome.

EFM is a way for your doctor to know how your baby is doing when you are in labor. During prenatal visits, patients usually decide if they want to use EFM. Even if you decide not to use it, your doctor may recommend that you change to a different type of monitoring if there are…

It is a reaction you get from contact with latex products. The allergy is usually caused by the natural rubber protein in latex. Latex comes from tropical rubber trees. It is used to make everyday products and medical equipment. Some of these items include:

Hematospermia (he-muh-toh-spur-me-uh) is when you have blood in your semen. It usually happens in men younger than 40 years, but men of any age can have it. The causes in men younger than 40 years usually are not serious.

Hip impingement (im-PINJ-ment) is when two bones rub against each other in the hip joint. It is also called femoroacetabular impingement (FEM-uh-ro-ASS-uh-TAB-yoo-lar im-PINJ-ment, or FAI for short). The hip joint has two bones that fit together like a ball in a socket (see…

The article, “Recognition and Management of Vitamin D Deficiency,” (October 15, 2009, page 841) incorrectly listed falls as the leading cause of death among persons 65 years and older in the first column on page 843. Falls are the leading cause of injury death among this…