• Articles

    Reducing the Risk of Adverse Drug Events in Older Adults

    RICHARD W. PRETORIUS, GORDANA GATARIC, STEVEN K. SWEDLUND, JOHN R. MILLER

    Antithrombotic and antidiabetic medications, diuretics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause most of the preventable hospital admissions due to adverse drug events. Reducing the risk requires close monitoring of functional status, early identification of symptoms,...

    Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Evaluation and Treatment

    DYANNE P. WESTERBERG

    Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur in persons of all ages and is characterized by elevated glucose and ketone levels, lower pH and bicarbonate levels, and dehydration. Appropriate treatment includes intravenous f luids, insulin, and monitoring of glucose and electrolyte levels....

    Identification and Treatment of Amblyopia

    YASMIN S. BRADFIELD

    Amblyopia is the leading cause of monocular vision loss in children. The condition is treatable if diagnosed early, making the identification of amblyopia critical. Vision chart testing, red ref lex testing, and visual examination of the eyes are used to screen and diagnose...

    AAFP News Now: AFP Edition

    AAFP News Now: AFP Edition

    Family Physicians Outpacing Other Physicians in Adopting EHR Technology | HHS Strengthens HIPAA with New Rule | Vaccination Rates in Adults Still Below Target Levels, According to the CDC | Primary Care Physician Shortage Affecting Patient Health, Report Says | OSHA Launches...

    Cochrane for Clinicians

    Physical Training for Patients with Asthma

    AARON SAGUIL, NKEMAKONAM OKPOKWASILI

    Physical training lasting for at least 20 to 30 minutes, two to three times a week for at least six weeks, improves physical fitness in patients with asthma. Physical training is not associated with worsening of asthma symptoms, and it improves health-related quality of life.

    Vitamin D Supplementation for Women During Pregnancy

    SHAISTA A. QURESHI, JOANNE E. WILKINSON

    In several small, low-quality trials, vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy was associated with a statistically nonsignificant trend toward a decreased risk of low birth weight. There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy.

    Editorials

    The Potential Adverse Health Effects of Energy Drinks

    JAMES MACDONALD

    Energy drinks are becoming more popular in the United States, and family physicians should be familiar with them and their potentially harmful effects.

    Implementing AHRQ Effective Health Care Reviews

    Analgesics for Osteoarthritis

    COREY D. FOGLEMAN

    What are the comparative effectiveness, benefits, and adverse effects of oral and topical analgesics for osteoarthritis?

    Curbside Consultation

    Caring for Older Patients Who Have Significant Hearing Loss

    MICHAEL M. McKEE

    This scenario illustrates issues related to end-of-life care and placement in a long-term care facility for older individuals with significant hearing loss. An analysis of data from the 1999 to 2006 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and...

    Photo Quiz

    Spontaneous Hematomas

    JOHN YOSAY, ROBERT LENNON, JAMES KECK

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

    POEMs

    Beta Blockers Not Associated with Lower Morbidity/Mortality in Adults with CAD or CAD Risk Factors

    DAVID SLAWSON

    Beta-blocker therapy was not associated with a reduced risk of adverse cardiovascular events in adults with a prior MI, known CAD without prior MI, or three or more known risk factors for CAD.

    Practice Guidelines

    AAO-HNS Releases Guideline on Sudden Hearing Loss

    LISA HAUK

    This guideline from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) focuses on sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), which affects 5 to 20 per 100,000 persons in the United States. Early diagnosis is essential for effective management.

    Letters to the Editor

    Absence of Abdominal Pain Does Not Rule out Diagnosis of IBS

    Information from Your Family Doctor

    Adverse Drug Events in Older Adults: How to Avoid Them

    It is an unintended and unwanted effect that happens after taking a normal dose of a medicine.

    Corrections

    Corrections



    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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