More articles from 1-Minute consult
- How great is the risk of transmitting the hepatitis C virus sexually?
Compared with other STDs, HCV poses a very low risk of sexual transmission.
- Should nursing home residents with atrial fibrillation be anticoagulated?
Anticoagulation is underused in long-term care patients with atrial fibrillation; most would benefit.
How should I follow a patient with mildly elevated serum calcium and PTH, but no symptoms?The first thought is asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism. Surgery may be indicated.
When does an adult need a tonsillectomy?Tonsillectomy may improve quality of life, but hard data are lacking.
Is there a role for metformin or acarbose as a weight-loss agent in the absence of diabetes?The evidence so far indicates that neither drug can be recommended for this indication in this situation.
Should primary care physicians screen for depression?Yes, if they have the time and resources to do something about it if they find it.
Do patients with total joint replacements need antibiotics before dental work?Opinions vary, but I recommend an antibiotic for patients with prosthetic joints who have rheumatoid arthritis or other risk factors before dental procedures known to induce bleeding.
What is the target TSH level in thyroid hormone replacement for primary hypothyroidism?My goal is between 0.4 and 3.0, at the low end of the normal range.
- Do patients who fail to complete a hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccination series have to restart it?
Limited data indicate that neither series need he restarted.
- When should prophylactic colectomy be considered in patients with ulcerative colitis?
Prophylactic colectomy eliminates the risk of colorectal cancer, but almost always leads to a lower quality of life.