Internal Medicine

Study finds there are often long delays between diagnosis and referral for treatment by a specialist for patients with hepatitis C, and also long delays from the time of referral to initiation of treatment.

A study published in the Journal of Urology found morbidly obese patients are more likely to develop uric acid kidney stones and less likely to develop calcium oxalate stones compared to normal weight controls.

Although pen devices are perceived to be more costly than vialed insulin, new study results indicate that elderly diabetic patients are more likely to accept pen devices and adhere to therapy, which decreases long-term complications and associated healthcare costs.

A new study published in BMJ Open suggests middle-aged women who are under a lot of stress have a high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life.

Does consumption of omega-3 (n−3) fatty acids reduce cardiovascular outcomes in patients without myocardial infarction who have multiple cardiac risk factors?

Examining the right foot of a 54-year-old male reveals a red, swollen, warm, and exquisitely tender right first toe joint. What is the differential diagnosis?

An analysis on the complication rates associated with IUD placement aimed to determine whether the contraceptive method is appropriate for teenagers.

At what age should solid foods be introduced to infants in order to alter their risk of atopic disorders?

Though the Association of American Medical College (AAMC) has projected that the US will face a shortage of 65,800 primary care providers (PCPs) and family practitioners by 2025, the anticipated growth in the implementation of health information technology (HIT) over the next 18 years may offset the demand for those physicians.

A diagnostic radiologist misinterprets a month-old infant's anterior-posterior (AP) chest radiograph and AP and lateral skull radiographs as being "positive" for bilateral parietal bone fractures.

Examining data from the National Health and Nutrition Exam Survey tells physicians a great deal about childhood obesity and risk factors for high blood pressure.

Acknowledging that C-reactive protein (CRP) is a known infection or inflammation indicator, a team of researchers investigated preoperative CRP level's predictive value with regard to postoperative infectious complications after colorectal surgery.

The bias toward traditional care models is slowly eroding, with greater numbers of primary care providers (especially physicians) becoming aware of the advantages to a more collaborative approach to care that invites greater contributions from NPs, PAs, and other providers.

Update on treatment planning, risk management, and ongoing monitoring for efficacy, safety, and adherence in patients treated with opioids for chronic, noncancer pain.

Group visits can be an especially effective tool for providing follow-up care to patients with chronic conditions, offering them increased access to clinicians and other providers, support and encouragement from their peers, and enhanced educational opportunities.

Studies have shown that plasticizers such as BPA and phthalates and other potential endocrine disruptive chemicals can have harmful effects and may be contributing to several ongoing public health concerns.

The increasing incidence of C. difficile infection in hospitals and other settings, coupled with the emergence of new high-virulence strains, requires physicians to understand the risk factors associated with this condition and be prepared to effectively diagnose and manage it.

Primary care physicians should be aware of the signs and symptoms of common liver conditions, and incorporate the latest laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures into practice.

A solid history and physical exam, several quick tests to localize pain, and a management plan that incorporates physical therapy can produce good outcomes without resorting to surgery.

Early diagnosis by primary care physicians and aggressive treatment are essential to slowing the epidemic of kidney and cardiovascular disease.

Primary care physicians should use proven risk estimation models, genetic counseling, and other tools to identify high-risk patients, and then engage patients in shared decision making to identify the best options for prevention.

After examining 24 clinical studies, researchers conclude transverse incisions are less painful for patients - and required significantly less narcotic analgesics - compared to midline incisions.

Following the American Medical Association's formal recognition of obesity as a disease, Boston University researchers attempted to identify better ways to determine health status in obese patients.

Study shows that somatization and low job security are independently associated with low back pain prevalence.

Alcohol use with maraviroc administration increases blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) by 12 percent, but a lower BAC was found in patients taking ritonavir and efavirenz.

Researchers have studied the effects of hormone therapy on the lipid profiles of postmenopausal women.

Review of the literature finds that although zoledronate and alendronate may have some potential for effective pain management in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis, overall there is limited evidence supporting the use of bisphosphonates to treat OA pain.

Recently released testing guidelines and expanded access to insurance coverage under the ACA may improve awareness and treatment among HIV-positive, economically underserved, and minority populations that are disproportionately impacted by viral hepatitis infection.

Study results presented at the 2013 United States Conference on AIDS show that both combo drugs have a similar efficacy profile in ART-naïve patients, but patients treated with Complera reported fewer and less severe side effects.

Researchers found that overall cognitive performance was below average in a sample of patients with HIV who were referred for neurocognitive evaluation. Especially affected were areas involving memory, which can have a negative effect on treatment adherence.