April 1, 2012

Normal blood pressure values in children and adolescents are based on age, sex, and height. All children with prehypertension or hypertension should be evaluated for signs and symptoms of an underlying etiology, although overweight and obesity are strongly associated with…

Opioids can be prescribed safely for patients with renal failure, but the dosage may need to be adjusted. Nonpain symptoms are also common and can be treated medically. Nondialytic management of renal failure may not decrease life expectancy and can be considered. Patients…

Gynecomastia is the proliferation of glandular breast tissue in men. Possible causes include underlying medical conditions, and use of certain medications or substances. Most men do not require treatment for cosmesis or analgesia. Laboratory and imaging tests may be warranted…

AMA Releases How-to Manual on Emerging Physician Payment Models | FDA Approves First Quadrivalent Vaccine to Prevent Seasonal Influenza | Text4Baby, CMS Partner to Connect Women to Health Information | Next Stage for Health Care Professionals Adopting EHRs Announced | New…

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-established, scientifically proven treatment for patients with depression. For family physicians to take full advantage of this treatment, they must be able to understand the nature and application of CBT; access professional…

Financial incentives are associated with minimal, if any, improvements in quality of care provided by primary care physicians. It is uncertain whether financial incentives are cost-effective relative to other types of quality-improvement interventions.

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

The number of children and adolescents using social media Web sites (e.g., Facebook) has significantly increased in the past five years. Research has shown that social media improves communication, social interaction, and technical abilities. Physicians are in a position to…

High blood pressure, or hypertension, sometimes doesn't have a known cause. This is called primary hypertension and is more common in older children, children who are overweight, or children who have a family history of high blood pressure. Secondary hypertension is caused by…

Kidney failure is when your kidneys don't work right, and waste products build up in your blood. Your blood pressure might increase, and you might retain water. When kidney failure is found early, treatment can slow the disease.