April 15, 2011

Physicians should be aware of current guidelines for neonatal resuscitation to be able to assess risk factors, identify infants who need resuscitation, and respond appropriately. Interventions during resuscitation may include positive pressure ventilation, endotracheal…

House calls can be used to perform clinical assessments, manage chronic illnesses, and provide palliative care for homebound patients. Some studies have demonstrated associations between house calls and improved patient outcomes, although evidence is inconclusive. House calls…

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation in older adults, and with decreased bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. The effectiveness of treatment in preventing these conditions is unknown. More evidence is needed to help…

The etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome is often unknown, but can include trauma, repetitive maneuvers, certain diseases, and pregnancy. Diagnosis is primarily based on physical examination and history, but nerve conduction studies and electromyography are useful when the…

AFP uses the Strength-of-Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT),1 to label key recommendations in clinical review articles. In general, only key recommendations are given a Strength-of-Recommendation grade. Grades are assigned on the basis of the quality and consistency of available…

We are pleased to announce the new free mobile app for “AFP By Topic.” This app allows you to quickly access the best current information that AFP has to offer on the most commonly sought topics from virtually anywhere using almost any Web-enabled mobile device. The “ AFP By…

In recent years, however, MRI often has been used solely to establish a diagnosis, in many cases before any conservative treatment has been instituted. This practice raises the following questions: Is MRI overused in patients with musculoskeletal conditions? What are the…

AAFP Teams Up with Other Groups Calling to Eliminate SGR, MedPAC Weighs In | 2011 Resident Matching Program Results Again Show Gains for Family Medicine | Physician Reentry Programs Help Get Family Physicians Back into Practice | IOM Report Focuses on Priorities from the…

What are the effects of nondrug interventions, fiber supplements, and paraffin in adults with idiopathic chronic constipation? What are the effects of stimulant and osmotic laxatives? What are the effects of prostaglandin derivatives and 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor agonists…

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

There is little evidence about secondary causes of obesity in adults. The evaluation for secondary causes of obesity should include a patient history and physical examination, with additional laboratory testing based on specific symptoms, risk factors, and index of suspicion.

Use of alvimopan should be restricted to patients at a higher risk of postoperative ileus following abdominal surgeries, such as hospitalized patients undergoing bowel resection with primary anastomosis. It is an expensive option with limited indications; head-to-head studies…

Persons who survive a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) are at increased risk of experiencing another stroke. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) have released updated guidelines on preventing recurrent stroke in patients who…

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which there is too much thyroid hormone in the body. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck. It produces hormones that regulate the way your body uses energy. If there is too much thyroid hormone, your body functions speed up…

Carpal tunnel syndrome (KAR-pal TUN-el SIN-drome) is a common, painful disorder of the wrist and hand. It happens when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, gets squeezed under a band of tissue called a ligament. This causes pain and other symptoms along the nerve…