• Articles

    Pharmacologic Management of Heart Failure Caused by Systolic Dysfunction

    WILLIAM E. CHAVEY, BARRY E. BLESKE, R. VAN HARRISON, ROBERT V. HOGIKYAN, SEAN K. KESTERSON, JOHN M. NICKLAS

    Several pharmacologic interventions have been proven to reduce mortality in patients with heart failure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers should be given to all patients unless contraindicated. Other treatment options include diuretics, aldosterone...

    Evaluation of Acute Abdominal Pain in Adults

    SARAH L. CARTWRIGHT, MARK P. KNUDSON

    In the evaluation of abdominal pain, the location of pain is an effective starting point. Associated signs and symptoms can further focus the differential diagnosis.

    Expanded Newborn Screening: Information and Resources for the Family Physician

    SUSAN E. WAISBREN

    Expanded newborn screening allows for early detection and treatment of metabolic and other disorders. Family physicians should be familiar with the current state of expanded newborn screening to effectively communicate results and formulate interventions. They also should be...

    Colonoscopy Surveillance After Polypectomy and Colorectal Cancer Resection

    DURADO D. BROOKS, SIDNEY J. WINAWER, DOUGLAS K. REX, ANN G. ZAUBER, CHARLES J. KAHI, ROBERT A. SMITH, BERNARD LEVIN, RICHARD WENDER

    New colonoscopy surveillance guidelines have been released for patients who have had a polypectomy or colorectal cancer resection. Guidelines for follow-up examination depend on factors such as the type and size of polyps removed.

    Inside AFP

    Peer Review Process Ensures Accuracy and Quality of AFP

    JOYCE A. MERRIMAN

    American Family Physician, like most highly respected journals, is peer reviewed to ensure the accuracy and suitability of manuscripts for publication. Authors are encouraged to meet the established standards of the publication to which they submit a manuscript; however, it...

    AAFP News Now: AFP Edition

    AAFP News Now: AFP Edition

    Medicare Spending Proposal Includes Positives, Negatives for Primary Care | Partnership Urges Congress to Block Tightening of Medicaid, SCHIP Eligibility | GAO Report Concludes Physician Payment System Undervalues Primary Care | New and Revised CPT Codes Cover Online-and...

    AFP Journal Club

    Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke with t-PA

    ROBERT DACHS, ANDREA DARBY-STEWART, MARK A. GRABER

    Does the widespread use of the thrombolytic tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) more beneficial or harmful in patients with acute stroke? The benefits must be balanced against the harms. Informed consent is necessary when making the decision.

    Editorials

    When Is the Right Time to Repeat Colonoscopy?

    VIKRAM BOOLCHAND

    Post-polypectomy and post-cancer resection surveillance are the most common indications for performing colonoscopy.1 A summary of the new guidelines on colonoscopy surveillance for patients with these indications appears in this issue of American Family Physician.2 Developed...

    Cochrane for Clinicians

    Subclinical Hypothyroidism

    BRIAN HERRICK

    Although there is evidence that thyroid hormone therapy in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism may improve lipid profiles, cognitive function, and echographic left ventricular function, there is no evidence that this will decrease morbidity or mortality.

    Abstinence-Plus Programs for Prevention of HIV

    CLARISSA KRIPKE

    Abstinence-plus is sex education that includes information on abstinence, condom use, and contraception. Compared with a variety of controls—including usual care, no intervention, or other programs—there is no evidence of increased rates of pregnancy or sexually transmitted...

    U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

    Screening for Carotid Artery Stenosis: Recommendation Statement

    This statement summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for carotid artery stenosis and the supporting scientific evidence, and updates the 1996 recommendations contained in the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2nd ed.

    FPIN's Clinical Inquiries

    Quality of Life in Older Persons with Dementia Living in Nursing Homes

    NATALIE SEFTON, KEVIN CRAIG, SUSAN MEADOWS, JON O. NEHER

    There is no “gold standard” to measure the QOL in older persons with dementia. For those requiring increased care, nursing homes may offer some benefit, including more frequent physician assessment and treatment of pain and depression, compared with assisted living...

    Photo Quiz

    Infant with Red, Peeling Rashes

    PANAGIOTIS MITROPOULOS

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

    Curbside Consultation

    A Morally Reprehensible Patient

    TOBY L. SCHONFELD, BETH A. DAMITZ

    Patients who present to the clinic without having followed the treatment plan endorsed at previous visits may frustrate us on both professional and personal levels.

    Practice Guidelines

    AAN Guideline Reassesses the Use of Neuroimaging in the Evaluation of Seizure

    AMBER HUNTZINGER

    The Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has reassessed the use of neuroimaging in patients presenting to the emergency department with seizure.

    FDA Approves Alternative Dosing Schedule for Combined Hepatitis Vaccine

    LIZ SMITH

    In April 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an alternative schedule for the combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine Twinrix (GlaxoSmithKline).

    Letters to the Editor

    Family Physicians Capable of Administering Immunotherapy

    JOHN SAXER

    Scope of Practice Differences in Urban and Rural Settings

    RUTA MARFATIA

    Tips from Other Journals

    Aspirin vs. Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Older Patients

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Is Short-term Therapy Effective for Treating Latent TB in Children?

    KENNETH T. MOON

    Information from Your Family Doctor

    Heart Failure: What You Should Know

    Heart failure is one of the most common causes of heart-related illness and death in the United States. It happens when the heart can't pump enough blood through your body. The blood backs up and fluid clogs your veins, tissues, and lungs.

    Colon Cancer Screening: What You Should Know

    A colonoscopy (coh-lo-NOS-co-pee) is a test that checks the colon for cancer and other diseases. To do this, your doctor looks into your rectum and colon with a long flexible tube that has a tiny camera at the end of it. If your doctor finds growths, called polyps (PAW-lips),...

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    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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