July 2009 12 7 Issue of Clinical Advisor

Newsline

Back pain diagnosis and management tools

An effective and relatively quick method for zeroing in on the root of back pain coupled with new findings about acupuncture treatment could help clinicians ...

Syphilis returns to heterosexual population

Contrary to a recent trend, syphilis may no longer be primarily linked to homosexual encounters.

Gastroesophageal reflux doesn't cause asthma

Study debunks the theory that acid reflux is partially responsible for triggering severe asthma symptoms.

Substance-abuse screening package

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has launched NIDAMED, a collection of tools and resources to help primary-care clinicians screen patients for tobacco, alcohol, ...

Fats tied to diabetic neuropathy

Serum triglyceride levels may allow clinicians to predict which patients with type 2 diabetes will develop neuropathy.

Necrotizing pneumonia linked to CA-MRSA

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is responsible for an increasing number of pneumonia cases among otherwise healthy, younger patients

New tool assesses dementia risk for seniors

New risk-assessment tool can help primary-care providers predict whether individuals aged 65 years or older are more likely to develop dementia.

Vitamin D may benefit the lungs and brain

New studies tout the respiratory and cognitive benefits of vitamin D.

Surgery eases rhinosinusitis

Endoscopic sinus surgery does indeed relieve symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Cutting heart risk with tight glucose control

Intensive treatment to lower glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes does appear to significantly reduce coronary events without increasing the risk of death.

Drug Updates from MPR

Oral contraceptive with 84-day regimen

LoSeasonique is an extended-cycle, lower-dose birth control pill.

Topical gel for treatment of OAB

Gelnique offers an alternative to oral OAB treatment options.

Acne therapy includes adapalene

Epiduo gel combines benzoyl peroxide and adapalene for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Fixed-dose antidiabetic combination

PrandiMet stimulates the release of insulin, improves insulin sensitivity, and decreases gluconeogenesis.

Advisor Forum

When to adjust thyroid hormone dosing

Correcting diabetic ketoacidosis

Hyperglycemia after coronary bypass

New agents for myeloma

Conjugated estrogen and breast cancer risk

How safe is a weekly dose of vaginal conjugated estrogens (Premarin cream) in a woman at high risk for breast cancer? What about a woman ...

When to test children for lead exposure

Cosigning prescriptions for controlled substances

Can we expect a future decrease in patients with shingles?

Will the varicella vaccine lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of shingles?

Evaluation for proximal muscle weakness and rash

Options when estrogen-containing contraception is contraindicated

Are patients being exposed to too much radiation?

Cover Feature

Impetigo: Taking on a common skin infection

Seen frequently in children, this skin disease can affect patients of all ages. Knowing the proper therapy and how to prevent dissemination is crucial.

Clinical Feature

Recognizing autism spectrum disorder

Diagnosis of the less severe forms of autism may require a high level of suspicion and recognition of "soft" clues on the part of the ...

Determining when men need testosterone

Deficiency can lead to sexual dysfunction and osteoporosis. Here are approaches to diagnosis and some factors to consider before treating.

When patients' BP just won't come down

A wide-ranging evaluation is required to identify the multifactorial causes of resistant hypertension. Treatment goes beyond the usual antihypertensives.

Dermatologic Look-Alikes

Perinasal papules

Two men with papules on the nose, cheeks, and forehead.

Clinical Challenge

Clinician confronts an all-too-common ethical dilemma

Should the shocking confession of a depressed patient become a discoverable part of the medical record?

New-onset neck and shoulder pain in an arthritis patient

A UTI triggers complications in a patient with two forms of arthritis.

Alternative Meds Update

Vinegar

Researchers have become extremely interested in some of vinegar's possible health-enhancing properties. Growing evidence indicates that vinegar has impressive qualities and might make a big ...

Dermatology Clinic

Intractable bilateral leg swelling and recurrent infections

A man presented with a one-year history of progressive bilateral swelling and recurrent infections of the lower extremities. Maggots were observed in the skin crevices.

Tender, rupturing pustule on the chin

A man complained of mild-to-moderate sensitivity in his lower incisor whenever he chewed for the past year. Four months ago, a painful tender swelling developed ...