Table of Contents
From the Editor
- Flexibility is warranted in applying prescribing guidelines
Discontinuation of benzodiazepines in chronic users may be associated with a small increase in mortality and a higher risk of adverse events, especially in the short term after cessation.
The Clinical Picture
- Half-moccasin distribution of acute tinea pedis
An 84-year-old woman presented with a week-long history of pruritus on the sole of her right foot.
1-Minute Consult
- How can I help my pregnant patients quit using tobacco?
Clinicians should screen for tobacco use and follow-up with pregnancy-specific messaging during each visit, building on any motivation the patient has to quit.
- What is the role of cystatin C in estimating glomerular filtration rate and guiding medication dosing?
A dual-marker strategy using both serum creatinine and cystatin C is recommended for certain patients in whom serum creatinine alone may not accurately reflect kidney function.
Commentary
- Collaborative musculoskeletal care: The role for chiropractors
Integrating chiropractors into multidisciplinary care settings can help support guideline-concordant care and may free up internists to see more patients with other problems.
Review
- Optimizing hypertension treatment: Evidence-based approaches and new drugs
The authors discuss current evidence-based approaches to managing hypertension and optimizing blood pressure control through a series of cases representing common clinical scenarios.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome: Why a definition mattersThe new definition brings acute respiratory distress syndrome into the realm of physicians working on hospital general medicine wards.
- An overview of over-the-counter contraceptives: Spotlight on daily oral norgestrel
Oral norgestrel, the first daily oral contraceptive pill available over the counter in the United States, is a safe, effective addition to existing over-the-counter contraceptive options.
Commentary
Negative sentiment about benzodiazepines has intensified in recent years, and there is increasing emphasis on deprescribing even for people who have had no ill effects from them.