December 15, 2010

The prevalence of secondary hypertension, which usually has an underlying, potentially correctable cause, varies by age group. This article identifies the most common causes and best diagnostic approaches.

The decision of when, or if, to interrupt perioperative antiplatelet therapy depends on the patient's cardiovascular and surgical-bleeding risk levels. Patients should not undergo elective operations before completing the indicated duration of dual antiplatelet therapy.

Diagnosis of meningitis requires evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid. Patients with suspected bacterial meningitis should receive prompt empiric antimicrobial therapy. Conjugate vaccines have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of bacterial meningitis.

Adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives usually resolve with continued use. Depo-Provera is the only method consistently associated with weight gain. Breakthrough bleeding is common in the first months of combined oral contraceptive use. There are no significant differences…

One of the best compliments a publication can receive is the desire of others to use its content for their own purposes, whether in a second publication or in informal sharing with colleagues. Unfortunately, the line between the compliment of borrowing and the fault of…

Primary Care Groups Release Joint ACO Principles, AMA Adopts Related Principles | AAFP, Other Organizations Address Flaws in DEA Policy on Schedule II Drugs | CMS Announces New Innovation Center, Demonstration Project Promoting PCMHs | Joint Commission Develops Primary Care…

What are the effects of different doses for peritoneal dialysis? What are the effects of different doses and membrane fluxes for hemodialysis? What are the effects of interventions aimed at preventing secondary complications?

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 all women planning or capable of pregnancy take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 to 800 mcg) of folic acid.

Case study: A 36-year-old recently married woman comes to your office for a routine gynecologic examination. She tells you that she has been in generally good health since her last visit.

Cervarix is effective in preventing known cytologic and histologic precursors of cervical cancer, although, as with Gardasil, it has not been shown to decrease rates of cervical cancer. This protection has been shown to last for six years, but it is unclear if a booster dose is…

There is no patient-oriented evidence supporting the use of TZD therapy in patients in the general population who have metabolic syndrome. Rosiglitazone (Avandia) use decreases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with metabolic syndrome who are undergoing…

To address the uncertainties about aspirin use in persons with diabetes, experts from the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, and American College of Cardiology Foundation reviewed the current evidence and updated the 2007 recommendations.

It is a common digestive problem. It may be hard for you to have a bowel movement, or your bowel movements may not be regular. Your stools may be very hard, making them so difficult to pass that you have to strain. Or you may feel an uncomfortable fullness even after you've had…

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common problem with the intestines. The cause is unknown, but it may have to do with the movement of the intestines, sensitivity of the intestine to pain or nerve signals, or changes in the bacteria that live in the gut. IBS usually begins…

It is a burning feeling in the lower chest, with a sour or bitter taste in the throat and mouth. It usually occurs after eating a big meal or while lying down. The feeling can last for a few minutes or a few hours.

It is a pain or an uncomfortable feeling in the upper middle part of your stomach area. The pain might come and go, but it's there most of the time. You might feel too full after a meal or too full to finish a meal. You can get it at any age.

Hormonal contraceptives are medicines or devices that can reduce your risk of getting pregnant. They contain hormones called estrogen (ESS-tro-jen) and progestin (pro-JEST-tin). Some contraceptives contain a combination of these hormones, and others contain only progestin. Some…