February 1, 2012

There are no specific indications for preoperative coronary revascularization. Patients with stable coronary artery disease and multiple cardiac risk factors may benefit from perioperative beta blockade. Beta blockers should be initiated weeks before surgery and titrated to…

A thorough physical examination can often rule out fracture and ligamentous and meniscal injuries in patients with acute knee pain. The Ottawa Knee Rule can help physicians determine which patients require radiography. Magnetic resonance imaging should be reserved for ruling…

Genital ulcers are usually caused by sexually transmitted infections, most commonly herpes simplex virus infection and syphilis. Noninfectious causes are rare but include psoriasis, sexual trauma, Behçet syndrome, and fixed drug eruptions. Diagnosis is based on clinical…

CMS Sets New Deadline for Implementation of Sunshine Act | HHS Adopts First of Electronic Health Care Transaction Standards | FDA Approves Single Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for Fentanyl Drugs | Center for the History of Family Medicine Seeks Fellowship Applicants…

When used for the appropriate indications, MRI is a valuable tool in the evaluation and management of knee pain. However, it may provide clinically irrelevant information by identifying pathology that is not related to a patient's symptoms, which may ultimately lead to…

The personal side of medicine told from the patient's perspective. The patient's story is followed by commentary from a physician and a list of resources.

Oral steroid use, alone or in combination with antibiotics, speeds the resolution of otitis media with effusion. However, there is no evidence that oral steroids improve symptoms or affect long-term outcomes, such as hearing loss. Topical nasal steroids have no effect on otitis…

Although menopausal women who exercise are less likely to report vasomotor symptoms than those who do not, there is insufficient evidence that counseling women to exercise is more effective than no treatment or hormone therapy for vasomotor symptoms of menopause.

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

For the referring physician, proper etiquette includes identifying the clinical reason for the referral, confirming the appropriateness with respect to the subspecialty, providing the subspecialist with accurate and timely information, and maintaining an open and effective line…

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduces the 2012 immunization schedules for young children (birth through six years of age), older children and adolescents (seven through 18 years of age…

Although assessment of sleep disorders in children relies on the history and physical examination, polysomnography (PSG) is sometimes used to aid in the diagnosis. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has provided recommendations regarding the use of the test in children…

Human parathyroid hormone should be used in patients with severe osteoporosis to decrease the rate of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures.

They are sores usually found on the vagina or penis. They can also be found in the anus or on the skin around it. They sometimes hurt or leak fluid.