June 1, 2012

Gastroenteritis in children is most commonly caused by viral infection, especially from rotavirus. Other causes include bacterial and parasitic infections. The history and physical examination focus on assessing for dehydration and determining an etiology.

Preventing dehydration is the focus of gastroenteritis treatment in children. Oral rehydration therapy should be administered at home using an over-the-counter rehydration solution in children with mild to moderate dehydration. Children with more severe dehydration may need to…

After pathologic nipple discharge is ruled out, patients with galactorrhea should be evaluated with measurement of prolactin level. Normoprolactinemic patients with idiopathic, nonbothersome galactorrhea can be reassured and do not need treatment; however, those with bothersome…

Identification of an erythema migrans rash following a tick bite is the only clinical sign sufficient to make the diagnosis of Lyme disease in the absence of laboratory confirmation. Treatment is mainly determined by the clinical manifestations; doxycycline is usually the…

Clarification

Historic Highs of <i>C. difficile</i> Infection–Related Incidence, Deaths, and Costs | IOM Central Management Plan to Monitor Safety of All FDA-Approved Drugs | AHRQ Resource Libraries Provide Evidence-Based Outcomes Data | Quality Improvement in Health Care: Progress Continues…

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.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a polymerization agent used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is also an environmental endocrine disruptor with estrogen-like activity that may affect the development and health of those who are exposed.

A previous Point-of-Care Guide addressed risk stratification in patients with syncope and described two validated clinical decision rules. Shared variables between the two rules included abnormal findings on electrocardiography (ECG) and a history of congestive heart failure…

Ondansetron (Zofran) given orally can reduce rates of vomiting, improve short-term tolerance of oral fluids, and reduce short-term rates of hospital admission and the need for intravenous hydration. Metoclopramide (Reglan) and ondansetron can reduce episodes of vomiting when…

Selenium deficiency is associated with a higher risk of cancer, but selenium supplementation does not decrease that risk.

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

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is common in children, with a prevalence of approximately 1 to 2 percent in the United States, and causes significant disability. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) recently published updated recommendations on…

Galactorrhea (guh-LACK-toe-REE-uh) is milk discharge from the breast that is unrelated to breastfeeding or that happens at least one year after stopping breastfeeding. It usually happens in both breasts, but it can also happen in only one. Both women and men can have…

Gastroenteritis (GASS-tro-EN-ter-EYE-tiss), or the stomach flu, is diarrhea (three or more watery, loose stools in one day) that is caused by germs, food poisoning, or unclean water. Your child may also have an upset stomach, vomiting, or fever.

Lyme disease is an infection that people get when they are bitten by deer ticks that carry a certain type of bacteria. The tick is about the size of a poppy seed or sesame seed. It typically must be attached to your skin for at least 36 hours to pass the bacteria to you. Ticks…

Correction