September 15, 2011

Syncope is classified as neurally-mediated, orthostatic, cardiac, or neurogenic. Evaluation begins with a history and physical examination, followed by electrocardiography, orthostatic vital signs, and QT interval monitoring. Clinical decision rules can help determine which…

Diagnosis of septic arthritis requires a thorough history, physical examination, and synovial fluid analysis. Empiric antibiotic treatment should be directed at the causative organism. Evacuation of purulent material with arthrocentesis or surgical methods is necessary.

Umbilical cord blood can be donated to a public bank, stored privately at the family's expense, or stored free when the donor's sibling has a disease treatable with stem cell transplantation. Experts do not currently recommend private banking for unidentified possible future use.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. Obesity, excessive foot pronation, excessive running, and prolonged standing are risk factors. Diagnosis is primarily based on history and physical examination. Conservative treatments, such as rest, oral analgesics, stretching…

National Demand for Primary Care Physicians Continues to Outstrip Supply | Medicare Plan Aims to Save Money and Improve Patient Care by Bundling Payments | Groups Provide Guidance in Transitioning Adolescents from Pediatric to Adult Care | Physicians Must Revalidate Medicare…

Is CT sensitive enough to rule out subarachnoid hemorrhage? This study says yes, but rretrospective studies are inherently problematic. Normal head CT should be followed by a lumbar puncture.

Umbilical cord blood, which is rich in hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells, has become a major alternative donor source for blood and marrow transplantation in patients with leukemia, bone marrow failure, and immune disorders. In many cases, it is the only timely option for…

What are the effects of interventions aimed at preventing herpes zoster and subsequent postherpetic neuralgia? What are the effects of interventions during an acute attack of herpes zoster aimed at preventing postherpetic neuralgia? What are the effects of interventions to…

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

Supervised exercise programs are recommended to produce clinically significant improvements in walking distance in patients with stable intermittent claudication.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released guidelines on sexual dysfunction in women. Sexual dysfunction is common in U.S. women but is underdiagnosed and undertreated, partly because patients are not likely to discuss it with their physician…

It is your baby's blood that is left over in the placenta and umbilical cord after birth. It is usually thrown away, but scientists have found that it has stem cells that may help treat certain diseases.

Plantar fasciitis (PLANT-tar fash-ee-EYE-tis) is pain or swelling of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a tough band of tissue that attaches to the heel bone and supports the arch of your foot (see drawing). ILLUSTRATION BY KATHRYN BORN