October 2023

Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and the most common chronic condition seen by family physicians. Treatment reduces morbidity and mortality due to coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, and chronic…

This article reviews the safety and effectiveness of over-the-counter medications for common conditions of pregnancy

Chronic rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses that can significantly impact patient quality of life. First-line treatment comprises intranasal saline and corticosteroids.

Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle) is the most common genitourinary malformation in male children. Early surgical intervention reduces the risk of testicular cancer and preserves fertility. The primary care physician has an important role in coordinating continued…

An aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a neurosurgical emergency that results in significant morbidity and mortality. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimize rehemorrhage, prevent further neurologic injury, and reduce mortality.

Two-thirds of travelers develop a travel-related illness; therefore, the ill returning traveler is not uncommon in primary care. Although most of these illnesses are minor and relatively insignificant clinically, the potential exists for serious illness.

We are pleased to honor authors for their excellent scholarly contributions to family medicine by presenting the AFP Article of the Year Award, which is selected based on the most online views and highest ratings from the AFP editors.

The AAP recently published a clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with obesity. Although much of the guideline is evidence based, some of it is not, and the potential harms of its recommendations deserve attention.

The Community Preventive Services Task Force is an independent, nonfederal panel of 15 experts in public health and prevention, with broad geographic representation and training in medicine, public health, nursing, and behavioral health.

Given the overall morbidity benefits and reduction in the number of withdrawals due to adverse effects compared with other antihypertensives, we have assigned a color of green (benefits greater than harms) for thiazides as a first-line antihypertensive.

Key clinical questions and their evidence-based answers directly from the journal’s content, written by and for family physicians.

The average salaries of female physicians are lower than those of their male peers. Previous studies demonstrate that female family physicians earn approximately 16% less than their male counterparts.

Adding intravenous magnesium to standard care for adults with COPD exacerbations may decrease hospital admissions and the length of hospitalization. Seven people with COPD exacerbations would need to be treated with intravenous magnesium to prevent one admission.

The use of aspirin for primary prevention likely decreases the risk of all cardiovascular events but does not modify all-cause or cardiovascular mortality and increases the risk of major bleeding in patients with hypertension.

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for eating disorders in adolescents and adults.

I begin hospital rounds with three residents, one medical student, and our pharmacy team.

POEM

POEM

POEM

POEM

NASHnext is a proposed noninvasive test aiming to rule in or out metabolic risk factors for NASH or advanced fibrosis, but further clinical trials are needed for validation.

Evidence and expert opinion support treating mild chronic hypertension in pregnancy with approved antihypertensives.

People living with HIV/AIDS should be screened regularly for suicidal thoughts because suicide attempts are significantly higher in this cohort compared with the general population.

A six-month-old boy presented with vesiculopustular lesions on both feet.

A 74-year-old woman presented with extreme bradycardia and hyperkalemia.

Learn more about the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)’s recommendations for RSV prevention in children and adults, and other updates on the influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination.

The American Gastroenterological Association performed a systematic review to publish guidelines for managing obesity with medications.

Reply: Eric Herman

Letter

Testicles are part of the male body. They make male hormones and sperm. Usually, both testicles are inside the scrotum.