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  • Articles

    Hypertension in Adults: Initial Evaluation and Management

    S. Lindsey Clarke

    Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and the most common chronic condition seen by family physicians. Treatment reduces morbidity and mortality due to coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, and chronic...

    Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy

    Elizabeth Allison Powers, Ryan Tewell, Max Bayard

    This article reviews the safety and effectiveness of over-the-counter medications for common conditions of pregnancy

    Chronic Rhinosinusitis

    Michelle K. Keating, J. Cole Phillips, Jacline Phillips

    Chronic rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses that can significantly impact patient quality of life. First-line treatment comprises intranasal saline and corticosteroids.

    Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testicle)

    Van Nguyen, Larry Ngo, Ecler Ercole Jaqua

    Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle) is the most common genitourinary malformation in male children. Early surgical intervention reduces the risk of testicular cancer and preserves fertility. The primary care physician has an important role in coordinating continued...

    Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm: Recognition and Evaluation

    Shawn F. Kane, Erik Butler, Brian D. Sindelar

    An aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a neurosurgical emergency that results in significant morbidity and mortality. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimize rehemorrhage, prevent further neurologic injury, and reduce mortality.

    The Ill Returning Traveler

    Nicholas A. Rathjen, S. David Shahbodaghi

    Two-thirds of travelers develop a travel-related illness; therefore, the ill returning traveler is not uncommon in primary care. Although most of these illnesses are minor and relatively insignificant clinically, the potential exists for serious illness.

    Inside AFP

    AFP’s Article of the Year Award

    Sumi Sexton

    We are pleased to honor authors for their excellent scholarly contributions to family medicine by presenting the AFP Article of the Year Award, which is selected based on the most online views and highest ratings from the AFP editors.

    Editorials

    Breaking Down the AAP Guideline on Childhood Obesity

    Kenneth W. Lin, Kathryn A. McKenna

    The AAP recently published a clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with obesity. Although much of the guideline is evidence based, some of it is not, and the potential harms of its recommendations deserve attention.

    The Community Preventive Services Task Force: A Useful Resource for Family Physicians

    Joy Melnikow, Kathryn L. Istas

    The Community Preventive Services Task Force is an independent, nonfederal panel of 15 experts in public health and prevention, with broad geographic representation and training in medicine, public health, nursing, and behavioral health.

    Medicine by the Numbers

    Thiazide Diuretics vs. Other Antihypertensive Drug Classes for First-Line Treatment of Hypertension

    Jessica Rockafellow, Joseph Rattenni

    Given the overall morbidity benefits and reduction in the number of withdrawals due to adverse effects compared with other antihypertensives, we have assigned a color of green (benefits greater than harms) for thiazides as a first-line antihypertensive.

    AFP Clinical Answers

    Menopause, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, Tuberculosis, Infertility, Child Eye Conditions

    Key clinical questions and their evidence-based answers directly from the journal’s content, written by and for family physicians.

    Graham Center Policy One-Pager

    Female Family Physicians May Earn $1.8 Million Less Than Male Peers Over a Lifetime

    Grace Walter, Anam Siddiqi, Alison Huffstetler

    The average salaries of female physicians are lower than those of their male peers. Previous studies demonstrate that female family physicians earn approximately 16% less than their male counterparts.

    Cochrane for Clinicians

    Addition of Magnesium Sulfate for Acute COPD Exacerbations

    Michael Arnold, Meghan F. Raleigh

    Adding intravenous magnesium to standard care for adults with COPD exacerbations may decrease hospital admissions and the length of hospitalization. Seven people with COPD exacerbations would need to be treated with intravenous magnesium to prevent one admission.

    Aspirin Use and the Risk of Mortality in Patients With Hypertension

    John A. Cothern, Matthew L. Edinger, Dustin K. Smith, Patient Perspective by John James

    The use of aspirin for primary prevention likely decreases the risk of all cardiovascular events but does not modify all-cause or cardiovascular mortality and increases the risk of major bleeding in patients with hypertension.

    Diary of a Family Physician

    Diary of a Family Physician

    Megan Bradley

    I begin hospital rounds with three residents, one medical student, and our pharmacy team.

    U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

    Screening for Eating Disorders in Adolescents and Adults

    The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for eating disorders in adolescents and adults.

    POEMs

    Early Return to Activity Improves Symptoms in Children With Concussion

    Allen F. Shaughnessy

    Bivalent RSV Vaccine Given to Mothers Reduces Total and Severe RSV Infections in Infants

    Mark H. Ebell

    Cholesterol-Reducer Evolocumab Associated With a Nonsignificant Increase in Cardiovascular Mortality

    Allen F. Shaughnessy

    Active Surveillance Reduces the Need for Surgery, With No Change in Mortality, at the Price of a Small Increase in Metastatic Disease

    Mark H. Ebell

    Diagnostic Tests

    NASHnext: A Noninvasive Test for Identifying Risk of NASH Disease Progression

    Ariel Hoffman, Molly Chandler

    NASHnext is a proposed noninvasive test aiming to rule in or out metabolic risk factors for NASH or advanced fibrosis, but further clinical trials are needed for validation.

    FPIN's Clinical Inquiries

    Should Medication Be Prescribed for Mild Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy?

    Lee Dresang, Lia Vellardita

    Evidence and expert opinion support treating mild chronic hypertension in pregnancy with approved antihypertensives.

    FPIN's Help Desk Answers

    What Is the Association Between People Living With HIV/AIDS and Suicide Attempts?

    John Renzi, Joshua Byrd, Jacqueline Vardaros

    People living with HIV/AIDS should be screened regularly for suicidal thoughts because suicide attempts are significantly higher in this cohort compared with the general population.

    Photo Quiz

    Tiny Vesicles and Papules on the Soles of an Infant

    Jee Yun Doh, Hei Sung Kim

    A six-month-old boy presented with vesiculopustular lesions on both feet.

    New Onset of Extreme Bradycardia

    Takahiko Nagamine

    A 74-year-old woman presented with extreme bradycardia and hyperkalemia.

    Practice Guidelines

    Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination Recommendations and Other Updates From ACIP

    Pamela G. Rockwell

    Learn more about the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)’s recommendations for RSV prevention in children and adults, and other updates on the influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination.

    Medications to Promote Weight Loss: Guidelines From the American Gastroenterological Association

    Patrick Bagley

    The American Gastroenterological Association performed a systematic review to publish guidelines for managing obesity with medications.

    Letters to the Editor

    Acupuncture for the Adjunct Treatment of Long COVID

    Eric S. Carter

    Reply: Eric Herman

    Addressing Substance Use Disorders in People Experiencing Homelessness

    Morgan Younkin, Rebecca Lee, Paula Hercule

    Information from Your Family Doctor

    The Undescended Testicle

    Testicles are part of the male body. They make male hormones and sperm. Usually, both testicles are inside the scrotum.



    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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