November 15, 2017

Understanding of the cardiomyopathies and their various etiologies has evolved considerably throughout the years. Although hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the form most commonly encountered in primary care, several acquired types can be identified with acute alertness to…

Challenges to glucose control in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus include determining blood glucose targets, judicious use of oral diabetes medications, and implementing appropriate insulin regimens. Although some experts and guidelines recommend stopping…

Herpes zoster, or shingles, is caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus. Patients may present with malaise, headache, low-grade fever, and abnormal skin sensations for two to three days before the classic maculopapular rash appears. Herpes zoster can be treated with…

AAFP Urges CMS to Ease Looming Cuts to Office-based Laboratory Fees | Study: Formularies Offer Path to Reduce Opioid Prescribing | Survey Results Hold Good News for Primary Care Physicians | CDC: Suicide Rates Higher in Rural Areas

The AAFP Cognitive Care Kit was designed to give primary care physicians access to recommended materials to identify, screen, care for, and educate patients with cognitive impairment, as well as assist caregivers.

What is the accuracy of clinical decision tools and imaging for the diagnosis of gout in the primary care setting, and how effective are medications used to treat and prevent gout?

Reslizumab is an expensive treatment option for decreasing exacerbations in patients with severe asthma and pronounced eosinophilia. Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, it should only be administered in an appropriate facility by a medical professional. Reslizumab is best…

A newborn examination revealed an erythematous lesion on the scalp. Ultrasonography revealed an anechoic subcutaneous mass that was not connected to the brain.

G.R. is a 21-year-old nonpregnant woman who is new to the area and your office. She is applying to graduate school and wants to make sure her vaccinations are up to date. She reports she is doing well and has no concerns.

Spondyloarthritis comprises inflammatory disorders that have some overlapping characteristics. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) released a guideline on diagnosing and treating spondyloarthritis.

The USPSTF recommends that primary care professionals individualize the decision to offer or refer adults without obesity who do not have hypertension, dyslipidemia, abnormal blood glucose levels, or diabetes to behavioral counseling to promote a healthful diet and physical…

Home portable monitoring can be used as a substitute for in-laboratory polysomnography for the diagnosis of OSA in patients with a high pretest probability. Most patients prefer home monitoring, and clinical outcomes among patients diagnosed by either method are comparable…

In children with house dust mite allergies and asthma, the use of mite-impermeable bedding decreases the frequency of asthma exacerbations.

The use of PAP for adults with sleep apnea does not reduce adverse CV events or mortality. Patients who experience daytime fatigue at baseline benefit from reduced sleepiness and improved physical and mental well-being. Order sleep testing only in patients with signs or…

Compared with psychoeducation, a single 15-minute session of training in mindfulness or self-hypnosis leads to greater immediate pain relief for hospitalized patients with at least moderate pain at baseline.

In this study, using a simplified algorithm in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism can safely decrease the number of CTAs.

Cardiomyopathy (CAR-dee-oh-my-AH-puh-thee) is a condition that affects your heart muscle and can lead to heart failure. It is often genetic, but may be caused by autoimmune diseases (like lupus), infections, certain medicines, diabetes, thyroid disorders, drinking too much…