Pharmacologic Therapy for Acute Pain

RICHARD D. BLONDELL, MOHAMMADREZA AZADFARD, ANGELA M. WISNIEWSKI

Acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is recommended for the initial treatment of mild to moderate acute pain. If pain is not controlled, an opioid may be added. Full opioid agonists or dual-action medications may be needed for moderate to severe pain....

Evaluation of Primary Immunodeficiency Disease in Children

CARIN E. REUST

Primary immunodeficiency diseases affect an estimated one in 2,000 children younger than 18 years. Antibody, T-cell, phagocytic, and complement disorders are the most common types of primary immunodeficiency disease. Family history is a strong predictor of immunodeficiency,...

Amenorrhea: An Approach to Diagnosis and Management

DAVID A. KLEIN, MERRILY A. POTH

Primary amenorrhea is characterized by the failure to reach menarche, whereas the cessation of regular menses can signify secondary amenorrhea. Underlying causes of amenorrhea can usually be identified via a detailed history, examination, and laboratory analysis.

AAFP News Now: AFP Edition

Practice Supports Ease Transition to PCMH Model | Proposed Bill Targets Health Care Advertising | Peer Coaching Improves Diabetes Outcomes | Congress Urged to Invest More in Primary Care | AAFP, USPSTF Differ on Age for HIV Screening

Health Literacy and Prescribing: It Is Time to Change Old Habits

PAUL D. SMITH, SAMANTHA SHARP

In the United States, 80 million adults have substantial difficulties with reading. Approximately 1.5 million adverse drug events occur each year. Clear and concise prescription writing and labeling, and confirming a patient's understanding of the instructions can help...

Diabetes: Taking Control of My Health

COLLEEN T. FOGARTY

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.

Oxytocin Augmentation During Labor with Epidural Analgesia

JOSHUA STEINBERG

Oxytocin augmentation does not reduce the frequency of cesarean delivery, instrumental vaginal delivery, or the combined outcome of both. Oxytocin also has no effect on low five-minute Apgar scores, postpartum hemorrhage, uterine hyperstimulation, or neonatal intensive care...

Contraceptive Education for Women After Childbirth

DEAN A. SEEHUSEN, MONICA SCHMIDT

Postpartum education may increase contraceptive use and reduce unplanned repeat pregnancies, although the evidence is mixed. The optimal timing and content of educational programs are not known.

Toddler with a Worsening Rash

ROXANN POWERS, OMID DJALALI, ZACHARY ZINN

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

Caring for Colleagues, VIPs, Friends, and Family Members

TIMOTHY W. FARRELL, JULIA A. OZBOLT, JOANNE SILVIA, PAUL GEORGE

There may be no higher professional honor than being asked to care for a colleague, a “very important person” (VIP), a friend, or a family member. However, these requests can be problematic if they are not addressed properly. The following strategies can help physicians avoid...

Aspirin Following Anticoagulation Therapy Prevents Recurrent VTE

NITA SHRIKANT KULKARNI

Although this ASPIRE study was underpowered to detect a difference in the primary outcome, when the results were combined with those of the WARFASA trial, the data show that daily low-dose aspirin prevents recurrent VTE as well as major vascular events without increasing...

Daily Multivitamins Do Not Reduce Major Cardiovascular Events in Men and Do Not Affect Mortality

DAVID SLAWSON

Daily multivitamin supplementation does not reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in men. The risks of cardiovascular-related mortality and all-cause mortality were also not reduced by multivitamin supplementation.

Vitamin D + Calcium = Placebo for Cognitive Decline

HENRY C. BARRY

Calcium plus vitamin D is no better than placebo in preventing cognitive decline in women older than 65 years.

AUA Releases Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Overactive Bladder

CARRIE ARMSTRONG

Overactive bladder is characterized by urinary symptoms including urgency, frequency, and nocturia, with or without urge incontinence. The American Urological Association (AUA) recently published recommendations to provide a clinical framework for the diagnosis and treatment...

Unequal Distribution of the U.S. Primary Care Workforce

STEPHEN M. PETTERSON, ROBERT L. PHILLIPS, JR., ANDREW W. BAZEMORE, GERALD T. KOINIS

The United States is facing a primary care physician shortage, but the most pressing problem is uneven distribution, particularly in poor and rural communities. Providing adequate access to care for the nearly 30 million uninsured people living in these communities will...

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea (say: “ay-MEN-or-REE-uh”) is a condition in which your menstrual periods don't start during puberty, or they stop before you reach menopause.