• Articles

    Prevention of Unintentional Childhood Injuries

    PATRICIA G. SCHNITZER

    Parent-focused and environmental strategies are effective in preventing injuries, particularly those occurring in young children at home. Priority topics for office-based injury prevention counseling include the use of motor vehicle passenger restraints, smoke detectors, and...

    Treatment of Oncologic Emergencies

    MARK L. HIGDON, JENNIFER A. HIGDON

    Oncologic emergencies usually are metabolic, hematologic, structural, or side effects from treatment agents. Family physicians should be familiar with these emergencies because treatment often is necessary before referral.

    Erythema Multiforme

    MICHELE R. LAMOREUX, MARNA R. STERNBACH, W. TERESA HSU

    Erythema multiforme, a skin condition considered to be a hypersensitivity reaction to infections or drugs, consists of a polymorphous eruption of macules, papules, and characteristic “target” lesions. Management involves treating the existing infectious agent or discontinuing...

    The Role of BNP Testing in Heart Failure

    JENNY DOUST, RICHARD LEHMAN, PAUL GLASZIOU

    Because of the increasing availability of assays for the measurement of brain natriuretic peptide levels, testing for this cardiac hormonemay have a role in detecting, monitoring, and possibly preventing chronic heart failure.

    Inside AFP

    AFP Continues to Evolve

    JOYCE A. MERRIMAN

    Medical journals need to continually reevaluate their policies, procedures, content, and style to remain a current and valid source of information. I’d like to draw your attention to a few changes we have made at AFP recently.

    AAFP News Now: AFP Edition

    Newsletter

    LIZ SMITH

    Selected policy and health issues news briefs from AAFP News Now.

    Quantum Sufficit

    Quantum Sufficit

    SHERRI DAMLO

    Would you like latex with that? A study in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture says that consumers may get more than they bargained for when it comes to food packaging and latex. Researchers analyzed packaging from 21 different foods—including fruits,...

    Editorials

    New Recommendations to Reduce the Risk of SIDS: What Should We Advise Parents?

    SHAHRZAD SARIRIAN, FERN R. HAUCK

    Despite decreased rates in the past decade, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) continues to be the leading cause of infant deaths in the United States after the neonatal period.1 In October 2005, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated recommendations on...

    Improving Practice Guidelines in AFP

    MARK H. EBELL, JAY SIWEK

    The care that patients receive too often depends on where they live, their race, or their physician. Large variations have been found in rates of hysterectomy, mammography, A1C testing, hip replacement, spinal surgery, and hospital admission that cannot be explained by...

    Cochrane for Clinicians

    Opioids for Management of Breakthrough Pain in Cancer Patients

    MICHAEL B. POTTER

    Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC [Actiq]), a rapid-acting opioid, has been shown to be an effective treatment for breakthrough cancer pain. Other opioids, including immediate-release oral morphine (MSIR), also may be effective; however, evidence comparing these agents...

    Cochrane Briefs

    JANELLE GUIRGUIS-BLAKE

    Patching for Corneal Abrasions?

    Cochrane Briefs

    ROBERT DACHS, CHINASA ANUGWOM

    Beta-Blocker Use in Patients with COPD

    Clinical Evidence Handbook

    Asthma and Other Wheezing Disorders in Children

    DUNCAN KEELEY, MICHAEL MCKEAN

    What are the effects of treatments for acute asthma in children? What is the effect of single-agent prophylaxis in children taking inhaled beta agonists as needed for asthma?What are the effects of additional prophylactic treatments in patients with childhood asthma that is...

    Photo Quiz

    A Patient with Dyspnea and Swollen, Painful Wrists

    NIKHIL HEMADY, VIJAY MIRMIRA

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

    FPIN's Clinical Inquiries

    Risks and Benefits of Combination Contraceptives

    MARY W. ROEDERER, JEAN C. BLACKWELL, CAROL BLENNING

    The risks of using oral combination contraceptives include: a three- to sixfold increase in the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) apparent by the fourth month of use and highest between six and 12 months of use; a two- to sixfold increase in the risk of ischemic...

    POEMs

    In-Office Rapid Glycated Hemoglobin Testing

    HENRY BARRY

    Melanoma Risk and Congenital Melanocytic Nevi

    MARK EBELL

    Levothyroxine Reduces Preterm Birth in Euthyroid Women

    LINDA FRENCH

    Nitazoxanide Reduces Rotavirus Duration in Children

    HENRY BARRY

    Orthotics Not Effective for Plantar Fasciitis

    ALLEN F. SHAUGHNESSY

    Rapid Influenza Tests Reduce Further Testing in Children

    HENRY BARRY

    Tacrolimus Effective for Pityriasis alba

    MARK EBELL

    Tips from Other Journals

    Is MRSA Infection a Potential Threat in Pregnancy?

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Preventing Eating Disorders in College-Age Women

    KARL E. MILLER

    Do Supplements Prevent Cancer and Chronic Disease?

    CLARISSA KRIPKE

    Improving Decision Making About End-of-Life CPR

    KARL E. MILLER

    Moderate Alcohol Consumption Beneficial to Older Women

    CAROLINE WELLBERY

    Sexual Behavior vs. Self-reported Sexual Identity

    CLARISSA KRIPKE

    How Often Does Rectal Bleeding Indicate Colorectal Cancer?

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Varenicline Is Effective for Smoking Cessation

    KARL E. MILLER

    Anticholinergics First Choice for COPD

    CAROLINE WELLBERY

    Firearm Safety in Homes with Adolescents

    KARL E. MILLER

    Non–HIV-Related Causes of Death in Patients with AIDS

    KENNETH W. LIN

    Hyperglycemia in Patients with Heart Failure

    KARL E. MILLER

    Common Complications of Undiagnosed Diabetes

    KENNETH W. LIN

    Curbside Consultation

    STDs in Patients with Multiple Partners: Confidentiality

    JANET FLEETWOOD

    This scenario raises complex ethical questions. The physician-patient relationship is characterized by a network of obligations and expectations that becomes more complex when patients with close ties are treated by the same physician.

    Practice Guidelines

    CDC Releases Guidelines on Improving Preconception Health Care

    LISA GRAHAM

    Improving preconception health care can result in improved reproductive health outcomes and has the potential to reduce societal costs, as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed recommendations for physicians and public health officials that aim...

    Practice Guideline Briefs

    Practice Guideline Briefs

    CARRIE ARMSTRONG

    Meningococcal Vaccine Supply Increased; Deferral Request Lifted

    Practice Guideline Briefs

    CARRIE ARMSTRONG

    ACOG Recommends That Physicians Restrict Episiotomy

    Practice Guideline Briefs

    CARRIE ARMSTRONG

    Self-study Course in Epidemiology Now Available Through CDC Web Site

    Practice Guideline Briefs

    CARRIE ARMSTRONG

    Influenza Vaccination for Secondary Prevention in CVD

    Letters to the Editor

    Medications for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence

    JAMES C. GARBUTT

    Information from Your Family Doctor

    Preventing Injuries in School-age Children and Teenagers

    The most common causes of injuries in this age group are car crashes, bicycle crashes, and fires.

    Myths and Facts About Food Allergies

    Fact: Although 25 percent of people think they’re allergic to certain foods, studies show that about only 8 percent of children and 2 percent of adults have a food allergy.

    Celiac Disease: What You Should Know

    Celiac (SEAL-ee-ack) disease causes problems in your intestines when you eat gluten, which is in wheat, rye, barley, and oats.

    Lactose Intolerance: What You Should Know

    If you have lactose intolerance, you have trouble digesting milk, cheese, and other dairy products. This condition is most common in people of Asian, American Indian, Hispanic, South American, or black heritage.



    Disclosure

    All editors in a position to control content for this activity, AFP journal, are required to disclose any relevant financial relationships. View disclosures.


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