October 1, 2012

Acute kidney injury is the abrupt reduction in kidney function as determined by elevated serum creatinine level, a reduction in urine output, or the need for renal replacement therapy. Diagnostic testing involves measurement of serum creatinine and urine electrolyte levels…

Persistent psychological distress after a traumatic event is a risk factor for post-traumatic stress disorder and may warrant further evaluation and intervention. Patients experiencing acute stress disorder may benefit from psychological first aid or cognitive behavior therapy…

The significant resurgence of bedbugs in the past decade has been attributed to pesticide resistance, more frequent travel, lack of public awareness, and inadequate pest control programs. Diagnosis is based on history, appearance of bites, and inspection of sleeping quarters…

Diagnosis is based on the history and physical examination results in children with fever plus respiratory signs and symptoms. Chest radiography and rapid viral testing may be helpful when the diagnosis is unclear. The most likely etiology depends on the age of the child. The…

Chronic nonmalignant pain affects a significant number of Americans. Concurrent with the increased need for pain management is a considerable increase in the use of prescription pain relievers for nonmedical purposes. Nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers is now the…

New Report Highlights Success of Patient-Centered Medical Home Model | CDC Review Finds Differences in Adolescent Vaccine Coverage Rates | AAFP to Develop CME Programs on Prescription of Opioid Medications | AAP Updates Policy Statement on Circumcision in Newborn Boys | ICD-10…

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.

What are the effectiveness, benefits, and harms of therapies used to address symptoms and prevent adverse long-term outcomes in adults with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Treating previously healthy patients with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) reduces the duration of influenza symptoms by approximately 21 hours, but it does not reduce the risk of hospitalization in this population.1 The data are insufficient to determine whether oseltamivir reduces the…

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

Guideline source: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common genetic cardiovascular disease that affects approximately one out of every 500 persons. The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have updated guidelines on the diagnosis and…

Acute stress disorder involves common mental and physical reactions that typically occur within one month of a traumatic event. Problems that last longer than one month may be a sign of posttraumatic stress disorder.