• Articles

    Aortic Stenosis: Diagnosis and Treatment

    BRIAN H. GRIMARD, JAN M. LARSON

    The mortality rate of persons with aortic stenosis dramatically increases when symptoms are present. Aortic valve replacement is usually recommended for severe disease, whereas watchful waiting is typically appropriate for asymptomatic patients.

    Management of Mastitis in Breastfeeding Women

    JEANNE P. SPENCER

    Mastitis can occur in women who are breastfeeding. Prevention and treatment involve optimizing breastfeeding technique and oral antibiotic therapy.

    Atypical Moles

    PEGGY R. CYR

    Atypical moles are usually larger than 6 mm in diameter and have color variegation, indistinct borders, and a textured surface. The greatest risk of melanoma is in patients with more than 50 atypical moles plus at least two family members with melanoma. Total body photography...

    Drug-Induced Nephrotoxicity

    CYNTHIA A. NAUGHTON

    To avoid drug-induced nephrotoxicity in their patients, physicians must be aware of the various mechanisms of renal injury, patient-and drug-related risk factors, and preemptive measures. General preventive measures include using alternative drugs and correcting risk factors,...

    Tips from Other Journals

    Is Panic a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Events?

    KENNETH T. MOON

    Benefits of Physical Therapy After Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Hyaluronic Acid vs. Hylan Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis

    KENNETH T. MOON

    Evidence-Based Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening

    KENNETH T. MOON

    Positive Association Between GERD and Halitosis

    CAROLINE WELLBERY

    Intensive Statin Therapy Improves Outcomes in Patients with CAD

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Does a Checklist-Based Oxytocin Protocol Affect Outcomes?

    AMY CRAWFORD-FAUCHER

    Inside AFP

    Annual Reader Survey Helps AFP Make Future Plans

    JOYCE A. MERRIMAN

    We look forward to meeting AFP readers each year at the AAFP Annual Scientific Assembly. At the Publications booth we conduct a survey to obtain feedback and suggestions for improving the journal. The survey below is being distributed at the Assembly this week. If you stop by...

    AAFP News Now: AFP Edition

    AAFP News Now: AFP Edition

    Physician Shortage in Community Health Centers Threatens Patients' Access to Care | Revisions to Physician Payments Sunshine Act Establish Uniform Rules for All States | Immunization Registries Track Patient Data, Provide Access to Vaccine Guidelines | State Legislation Aims...

    Editorials

    Dermoscopy: An Invaluable Tool for Evaluating Skin Lesions

    GARY N. FOX

    Dermatoscopes are instruments that employ light and magnification to evaluate skin lesions. The most common types are shaped much like otoscopes; one type of dermatoscope is depicted in the article by Dr. Cyr in this issue of American Family Physician.1 Most dermatoscopes are...

    Close-ups

    A Thank You to My Wife

    MITHILA JANAKIRAM

    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.

    Point-of-Care Guides

    Procalcitonin-Guided Treatment of Respiratory Tract Infections

    MARK EBELL

    Procalcitonin is a precursor to calcitonin. The final step in the synthesis of calcitonin is inhibited by cytokines and endotoxin released during bacterial infections; therefore, procalcitonin levels are selectively elevated in patients with bacterial infections.

    Clinical Evidence Handbook

    Autism

    JEREMY PARR

    What are the effects of early, intensive, multidisciplinary intervention programs in children with autism? What are the effects of dietary interventions in children with autism? What are the effects of drug and nondrug treatments in children with autism?

    Photo Quiz

    Refractory Focal Seizures with Progressive Weakness in the Right Limbs

    ALAN KWOK-KUEN PANG, ZUN-JEN LO

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

    Practice Guidelines

    ACOG Guidelines on Psychiatric Medication Use During Pregnancy and Lactation

    CARRIE ARMSTRONG

    The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released guidelines on psychiatric medication used by women during pregnancy and lactation. The use of psychotropic medications in these women is a concern because of the risks of adverse perinatal and...

    Letters to the Editor

    Evaluating Vasal Occlusion Methods for Vasectomy

    RONALD D. REYNOLDS

    Clavicle Fractures During Birth

    EMMANUEL MONJOK

    Information from Your Family Doctor

    Aortic Stenosis: What You Should Know

    It is the narrowing of the aortic valve. The aortic valve is a doorway-like opening in your heart that allows the blood to flow from your heart to other parts of your body. This narrowing (called stenosis) makes your heart work harder to pump blood. Aortic stenosis may get...

    Mastitis: What You Should Know

    Mastitis (mas-TY-tuss) is a swelling of the breast that is usually caused by an infection. This often happens during breastfeeding. Women with mastitis may have pain with a tender, red, wedge-shaped area on the breast. They may also have fever and chills, or they may feel...

    Atypical Moles: What You Should Know

    Atypical moles are skin growths that are not cancerous.



    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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