September 1, 2011

History and physical examination are the most useful tools for diagnosing acute pyelonephritis. Escherichia coli is the responsible pathogen in most cases. Oral fluoroquinolones are the preferred antibiotic class for outpatient treatment if resistance among relevant organisms…

Causes of orthostatic hypotension include dehydration, blood loss, certain classes of medications, and disorders of the neurologic, cardiovascular, or endocrine systems. Head-up tilt-table testing may be indicated to confirm the diagnosis, and initial treatment should be…

Clinical recommendations on screening for developmental delay in primary care are inconsistent and often insufficient to direct the family physician. Recent studies support the routine use of a validated developmental screening tool at regular, repeated intervals, in addition…

Statins are recommended for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients, and for secondary prevention in all patients with a history of coronary heart disease. Other lipid-lowering medications have unclear effects on patient-oriented outcomes, but may be…

What role does exercise play in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis?

New CDC Guide Focuses on Infection Control in Ambulatory Settings | New Payment Models, Financial Risk Top List of Work Challenges for Physicians | User Satisfaction Survey Garners Opinions from Family Physicians About EHRs | AHRQ Provides Free Guides on Treatment Options for…

Stealth marketing via journals threatens evidence-based practice, but eliminating ghostwriting does not guarantee the absence of undue bias. A further step to deter such practices is the retraction of articles for egregious instances of distortion. To leave obviously…

Acid suppressants or prokinetic agents should not be used to treat chronic nonspecific cough in infants or children. There is insufficient evidence to support or discourage use of these agents to treat chronic non-specific cough in adults, even in those with a history of GERD.

Multicomponent (i.e., three or more) acellular vaccines are as effective as whole-cell vaccines at preventing pertussis and mild pertussis disease (e.g., cold symptoms, cough without classic whoop or cough paroxysms) in children. Adverse effects are similar to those from…

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

Guideline source: American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

Orthostatic hypotension (ORTH-oh-sta-tik HI-po-TEN-shun) happens when sitting up or standing causes your blood pressure to drop. This may cause symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, or feeling like you are about to pass out. You also may feel weak or sick to your stomach…

Cholesterol is a substance that your liver makes. It is also found in some foods, such as eggs, meats, and dairy. Your body needs cholesterol to make cells and certain hormones. But too much cholesterol can cause problems with your heart and blood vessels.