More articles from Review
- What kind of physical examination does a young athlete need before participating in sports?
Recommendations exist for preparticipation physical examinations, but there is no national standard, and the recommendations are not widely followed.
The promise of targeted therapy: Cancer drugs become more specificCancer therapy is getting smarter, with new drugs that act specifically against cancer cells.
- A strategy to decrease the use of risky drugs in the elderly
Some medications are best avoided in elderly patients— and pharmacists can help physicians avoid them. We discuss our experience with reducing the use of three medications: meperidine, diphenhydramine, and amitriptyline.
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: Recent data on incidence and treatment
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is more common than previously thought. Cirrhotic patients with ascites are particularly susceptible. When it is discovered, something must be done quickly.
The challenge of valvular heart disease: When is it time to operate?Performed too soon, surgery needlessly exposes a patient to operative risks, but inappropriate delay may lead to cardiac damage and worse long-term outcome.
- Gynecomastia: Its features, and when and how to treat it
Gynecomastia is common and usually benign, though often distressing. Causes are many.
- Fecal-based DNA assays: A new, noninvasive approach to colorectal cancer screening
Most Americans forgo any kind of colorectal cancer screening, although it it is proven to save lives. Fecal-based DNA testing may be an alternative for those who otherwise would not be screened.
- An appropriate diagnostic workup for suspected vascular birthmarks
Some birthmarks can represent significant vascular anomalies that require a diagnostic workup and treatment.
- Strengthening the standards for preventing heart disease and stroke: The recent AHA guidelines
New guidelines call for managing risk factors more aggressively than ever before, especially in people at high risk.
- Six strategies to identify and assist patients burdened by out-of-pocket prescription costs
As many as one in five people report that they did not fill a prescription in the previous year because of the cost. Physicians can help by asking about the problem and applying simple strategies to limit the patient’s costs.