Am Fam Physician. 2022;106(1):22
Are compression stockings safe and effective for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in airline passengers?
According to a Cochrane review of nine randomized controlled trials, compression stockings are effective at reducing asymptomatic DVT in airline passengers taking flights longer than five hours. It is unclear if compression stockings prevent symptomatic DVT, pulmonary embolism, or death. There are no significant adverse events associated with their use.
Among patients found to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) on routine screening, who should be referred for surgical management?
Patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm 5.5 cm (2.2 in) or larger in diameter should be referred for surgical repair.
What is the first-line treatment for children with obstructive sleep apnea?
Adenotonsillectomy is the first-line treatment for children with obstructive sleep apnea.
In which patients should a diagnosis of mature-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) be considered?
MODY should be considered in nonobese patients who have diabetes mellitus that was diagnosed at a young age (younger than 30 years), preserved pancreatic beta-cell function, lack of pancreatic beta-cell autoimmunity, and a strong family history of diabetes.
What is the preferred pharmacologic treatment for MODY?
Sulfonylureas are the preferred pharmacologic therapy for hyperglycemia in MODY1 and MODY3. Pharmacologic treatment of hyperglycemia is not required for MODY2 because the risk of vascular complications is low, and patients are asymptomatic.
Should fever of unknown origin be treated with empiric antibiotics?
Empiric antimicrobial therapy should be avoided except in neutropenic, immunocompromised, or critically ill patients.
What are recommended treatment options for sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
Physical therapy exercise programs, sacroiliac joint manipulation, or a combination of both should be considered as first-line treatment options.
Additional Online Only AFP Clinical Answers
Is routine walking an effective strategy to lower blood pressure?
According to a Cochrane review evaluating 73 randomized controlled trials, including 5,763 patients, walking lowers systolic blood pressure by an average of 4.11 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.79 mm Hg. Walking also lowers a resting heart rate by 2.76 beats per minute.
When should transient global amnesia be considered as a diagnosis?
Transient global amnesia should be considered in a patient with less than six hours of amnesia, no focal neurologic findings, and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with hippocampal bright lesions.
What imaging study should be performed for evaluation of hemoptysis in patients with a negative chest radiograph?
Computed tomography or computed tomography angiography with intravenous contrast should be performed to determine the etiology of hemoptysis when no cause is found on chest radiography
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