November 15, 2010

Most human papillomavirus infections resolve spontaneously, but some high-risk infections persist and can progress to cancer. Risk factors for persistent infection include multiple sex partners, sex at an early age, history of sexually transmitted infections, and smoking. The…

Screening for hepatitis B virus is recommended in all pregnant women, but hepatitis C virus screening is recommended only in those with risk factors. Hepatitis B treatment is based on the status of maternal hepatitis B surface antigen, and prophylaxis in the newborn may include…

Physicians can provide guidance about common and frequent sexual behaviors in children, and can differentiate age-appropriate normative sexual behaviors from sexual behavior problems. Age-appropriate behaviors are managed primarily through parental reassurance and education…

The Expert Panel Report 3 of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program outlines recommendations for the medical therapy of asthma, including information on long-term control medications and fast-acting agents. This article presents practical information on asthma…

Physicians Required to Pay Taxes on EHR Meaningful Use Bonus Money | Study Criticizes Lack of Nutrition Education in U.S. Medical Schools | <i>Med</i><i>Watch</i>: FDA Warnings on Fentanyl Patches, Teething Tablets, Chelation Products | <i>MedWatch</i>: Label Warnings Updated…

Is negative ECG performed while the patient is having chest pain good at ruling out acute coronary syndrome? Although this study says yes, other higher-quality studies say it does not rule out cardiac disease. Observational studies are not ideal for testing some hypotheses.

As the Medicare population expands with the baby boomer generation, the need for greater mastery of clinical and interpersonal skills regarding end-of-life care is essential for meeting the wishes and needs of patients.

What are the effects of treatment for acute UTI in children? What are the effects of interventions to prevent recurrence of UTI in children?

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

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that clinicians ask all adults about tobacco use and provide tobacco cessation interventions for those who use tobacco products.

Case study: A young married couple visits your office for their initial prenatal visit. They each smoke one pack of cigarettes daily.

American College of Obstetricians Gynecologists (ACOG) recommendations on emergency contraception. Common indications include contraceptive failure (e.g., condom breakage, missed doses of oral contraceptives) and failure to use any form of contraception.

The most common cardiovascular condition in competitive athletes is hypertension. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its policy statement using new recommendations made in the 2005 36th Bethesda Conference guidelines; the 2004 Fourth Report on the Diagnosis…

The cervix, or opening of the womb, is located deep in the vagina. Cancer of the cervix is caused by a common sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (PAP-uh-LO-ma-vi-rus), or HPV. Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms and go away in a few years without…

Most children up to 13 years of age display sexual behaviors at some time. It is not unusual for children to engage in sexual behaviors after a change in the family (for example, a new sibling or separation of the parents) or in day care arrangements. The types of behaviors and…