GREG L. PERKINS, EVAN D. SLATER, GEORGANNE K. SANDERS, JOHN G. PRICHARD
Tumor markers are most useful for monitoring response to therapy and detecting early cancer recurrence. With the exception of prostate-specific antigen, tumor markers do not have sufficient sensitivity or specificity for use in screening.
ROBERT S. FAWCETT
Although standard topical agents are effective in treating many patients with scabies infection, oral ivermectin is an effective alternative.
LAWRENCE LEEMAN, PATRICIA FONTAINE, VALERIE KING, MICHAEL C. KLEIN, STEPHEN RATCLIFFE
Increased availability of nonpharmacologic methods of pain relief such as warm water baths, continuous caregiver support, and sterile-water injections could provide effective alternatives for women in labor.
LAWRENCE LEEMAN, PATRICIA FONTAINE, VALERIE KING, MICHAEL C. KLEIN, STEPHEN RATCLIFFE
Parenteral opioids and epidural analgesia are the most commonly used methods of labor pain relief in the United States, despite some questions about safety and efficacy. Nitrous oxide and paracervical block could provide a wider range of pain-relief options for women in labor.
SCOTT MOSES
Pruritus is common in skin disorders such as xerotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis. In some patients, however, it may be a sign of an underlying systemic disease.
DEAN A. SEEHUSEN, MARK M. REEVES, DEMITRI A. FOMIN
Lumbar puncture is performed frequently in primary care. Properly interpreted tests can make cerebrospinal fluid a key tool in the diagnosis of a variety of diseases. Proper evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid depends on knowing which tests to order, the normal value ranges for...
JON E. ISAACSON, NEIL M. VORA
More than 28 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. The diagnosis of hearing loss includes determination of the type of loss—conductive, sensorineural, or both.
ANNA MIES RICHIE, MARK L. FRANCIS
A thorough history and a complete physical examination are essential in narrowing the many possible causes of polyarticular joint pain. Clinical factors that can be helpful in achieving a specific diagnosis include disease chronology, inflammation, distribution, extra...
Janis Wright
A few weeks ago, the professional editors of AFP welcomed an assembly of medical editors to the Leawood, Kan., editorial office at the AAFP headquarters for our annual editorial board meeting. In a few weeks, some of the medical editors and professional staff editors will be...
Matthew Neff
AAFP Launches Initiative to Strengthen Patients' Voices in Congress | New Guide Available Online to Help Physicians Counsel Older Drivers | Fact Sheet Outlines Health Issues for Patients to Address with Physicians | Percentage of U.S. Children Who Receive Immunizations Is...
Sarah Evans, Heather McNeill
Baby teeth are a potential source of stem cells. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and summarized in a BMJ news brief, researchers found that the dental pulp of front incisor teeth contains robust stem cells. The researchers were able...
LAWRENCE LEEMAN, PATRICIA FONTAINE, VALERIE KING, MICHAEL C. KLEIN, STEPHEN RATCLIFFE
In 2001, the Nature and Management of Labor Pain symposium (see Leeman, et al.,1 in this issue) brought together family physicians, obstetrician–gynecologists, nurse-midwives, childbirth educators, and anesthesiologists for a critical analysis and discussion of systematic...
Differential diagnoses are influenced to a certain extent by our cultural experience. So, when physicians encounter patients from other cultures, it may be necessary to broaden the differential. The elderly Somali woman, a refugee in this country for two years, was...
Barrett M. Schroeder
The Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) recently published a guideline on the evaluation and management of dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Carrie Morantz, Brian Torrey
AHA Statement on Community Cardiovascular Health | CDC Report on Vaccine-Related Adverse Events | NAEPP Guidelines on Asthma Care | AGA Report on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | CDC Guidelines on Catheter-Related Infections
KEVIN C. OEFFINGER, CHARLES A. SKLAR, MELISSA M. HUDSON
Almost all women find childbirth painful. During the first stage of labor, the opening to the uterus (called the cervix) slowly opens. Pain usually is felt in the abdomen or back during contractions (labor pains). In the second stage of labor, the cervix is open, and you can...
Many things can make your skin itch. Dry skin, eczema, and hives can cause itching all over your body. Contact dermatitis is another cause of all-over itching. You can get this condition after your skin comes in contact with something that irritates it, such as a strong...
Your doctor will probably start by asking you about your medical history and how you have been feeling. You will probably be weighed and have your blood pressure taken at every visit during your pregnancy. Your doctor also may listen to the baby's heartbeat at every visit,...
It is probably safe, but you should check with your doctor first. Although some questions have been asked about the effects of exercise on pregnant women, there is no proof that gentle exercise has any bad effects on pregnancy. Gentle exercise might help you feel better and...
A viral respiratory infection is a contagious illness that affects your respiratory tract (your breathing) and causes other symptoms. The flu and the common cold are examples of viral respiratory infections. Other examples of respiratory viruses are:
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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