Common Acute Hand Infections

DWAYNE C. CLARK

Infections of the hand, such as paronychia, felon, herpetic whitlow, and pyogenic flexortenosynovitis, and infections caused by clenched-fist injuries can result in significant morbidity ifnot appropriately diagnosed and treated.

Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

JAMES M. GILL, ANNA M. QUISEL, PETER V. ROCCA, DENE T. WALTERS

The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus requires the presence of four of 11 clinical and laboratory criteria. Antinuclear antibody titer, the primary laboratory test used to diagnose the disease, has limitations and should be obtained only in patients with unexplained...

Amiodarone: Guidelines for Use and Monitoring

LYLE A. SIDDOWAY

Family physicians must consider potential drug toxicity and interactions in patients who are receiving long-term amiodarone therapy.

Returning to Work While Breastfeeding

FRANCES BIAGIOLI

Breastfeeding rates in the United States have improved but remain below the Healthy People 2010 goals. A breastfeeding plan can help working mothers anticipate logistical problems and devise practical pumping schedules.

Approach to the Adult Patient with Fever of Unknown Origin

ALAN R. ROTH, GINA M. BASELLO

Fever of unknown origin in adults is defined as a persistent temperature higher than 38.3°C (100.9°F) with no obvious source. A cost-effective, individualized approach is essential in the evaluation of these patients.

Support for Breastfeeding Mothers

Janis Wright

On page 2199 of this issue, you'll find an article titled “Returning to Work While Breastfeeding,” by Frances Biagioli, M.D., Oregon Health & Science University of Medicine, Portland. Dr. Biagioli provides a review of breastfeeding that will help family physicians provide...

Newsletter

Matthew Neff

AAFP Releases Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule | NRMP Requires Residency Programs to Reveal Contract Terms | CDC Report Shows Decline in U.S. Pregnancy Rate, Births, and Abortions | HHS Launches Effort to Identify Undiagnosed Cases of Diabetes | NCI, FDA Partner on Two...

Quantum Sufficit

Sarah Evans, Heather McNeill

Dark chocolate might reduce blood pressure? Now that would be a good thing! As reported in a research letter published in JAMA, 13 adults with untreated mild hypertension were randomly assigned to receive polyphenol-rich dark chocolate bars or polyphenol-free white chocolate...

Breastfeeding and Returning to Work in the Physician's Office

DAVID MEYERS

A young family physician recently returned to practice after taking a two-month maternity leave. She was grateful to her two male senior partners for allowing her to be at home with her first child. Although being away from her infant was difficult, she was excited about...

Diary from a Week in Practice

A history of cough and fever for a week was the chief complaint of Victor, a young man who was the last patient of the day. But, he also complained of fatigue and malaise for at least two months. The reasons became more evident as he told his story. A native of Columbus,...

Does Metformin Improve Clinical Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

MELISSA NOTHNAGLE, JULIE SCOTT TAYLOR

Metformin therapy improves fasting insulin levels and blood pressure. It has no clinically significant effect on body weight, waist:hip ratio, or LDL cholesterol level. Metformin, taken with or without clomiphene, appears to be an effective first-line agent for ovulation...

Influenza

LUCY HANSEN

What are the effects of antiviral treatment of influenza in adults?

Escitalopram (Lexapro) for Depression

SANTHI MASILAMANI, SARA C. RUPPELT

Synopsis: Escitalopram (Lexapro) is the active s-enantiomer of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), citalopram (Celexa). It is labeled for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

Linear Lesions on the Face

ADRIENNE M. MOORE, SUEPHY C. CHEN

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

Is the Four-Glass Test for Prostatitis Useful?

DAVID SLAWSON

Aspirin Prevents Preeclampsia and Complications

LINDA FRENCH

Spinal Manipulation for Low Back Pain

ALLEN F SHAUGHNESSY

Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis

ALLEN F. SHAUGHNESSY

Hydroxyurea Improves Mortality Rates in Sickle Cell Anemia

CAROLINE WELLBERY

Natriuretic Peptide Levels Aid in Identifying Cause of Dyspnea

RICHARD SADOVSKY

Efficacy of Eplerenone for Treatment of Heart Failure

BILL ZEPF

Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Heart Disease in Diabetic Women

SUMI M. SEXTON

Anticholinergic Therapy for Overactive Bladder Symptoms

ANNE D. WALLING

Anticholinergic Therapy for Overactive Bladder Symptoms

ANNE D. WALLING

COER Verapamil Is Ineffective in Preventing CV Disease

CAROLINE WELLBERY

Update on Pneumococcal Antibiotic Resistance

BILL ZEPF

Metformin for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

ANNE D. WALLING

Effect of NSAIDs on Lung Cancer Incidence

BILL ZEPF

Hypertension in Pregnancy Signals Hypertension Later

ANNE D. WALLING

ACIP Releases Recommendations for Use of Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine

Genevieve W. Ressel

A report on the prevention and control of influenza and guidelines for using intranasally administered, trivalent, cold-adapted, live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) has been released by he Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease...

Clinical Briefs

Carrie Morantz, Brian Torrey

AHRQ Criteria on Disability in Infants and Children | CDC Guidelines for Infection Control | New Web Site on Hormone Therapy | FDA Approval

No Data to Show Link Between Opioid Abuse and Heroin Use

Returning to Work While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is good for your baby—and for you. It provides the best nutrition for your baby and protects your baby against many illnesses. The American Academy of Family Physicians, along with other physician and public health groups, recommends that babies be breastfed or...