Article
Does turmeric relieve inflammatory conditions?
- Author:
- Brett White, MD
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: YES, but data aren’t plentiful. Limited evidence suggests that turmeric and its active compound, curcumin, are effective...
Article
What screening tests should you use to evaluate a man with low testosterone?
- Author:
- Robert P. Jackman, MD
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Obtain a repeat morning testosterone level, as well as levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (...
Article
When should you treat scabies empirically?
- Author:
- Tanya L. Page, MD
- Patrice M. Eiff, MD
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Empirically treat patients when they have pruritus and lesions typical of scabies in at least 2 places—even if there is no...
Article
Are any alternative therapies effective in treating asthma?
- Author:
- Meg Hayes, MD
- David Buckley, MD
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Yes, some are. Acupuncture relieves subjective symptoms of asthma and reduces medication use in mild to moderate asthma (...
Article
Which tests are the most useful for diagnosing PID?
- Author:
- Carol E. Blenning, MD
- John Muench, MD
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: No single test has adequate sensitivity and specificity to reliably identify pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and thus...
Article
What’s the best test for HSV-2 after exposure?
- Author:
- John Heintzman, MD
- Bruin Rugge, MD, MPH
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests based on herpes simplex virus 2’s (HSV-2) glycoprotein G have demonstrated...
Article
Angiotensin blockade for diabetes: Monitor microalbuminuria?
- Author:
- John Muench, MD, MPH
- Carol Blenning, MD
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: No studies address whether continued screening for microalbuminuria once a patient is taking an angiotensin-converting...
Article
What GI stress ulcer prophylaxis should we provide hospitalized patients?
- Author:
- Alisha Saultz, DO
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
- John W. Saultz, MD
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Patients in intensive care unit (ICE) settings who are receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation (for >48 hours) or who...
Article
What is the best approach to the evaluation of resting tachycardia for an adult?
- Author:
- Jennifer E. DeVoe, MD, DPhill
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: The best evidence about the diagnostic evaluation of resting tachycardias in adults is currently outlined by practice...
Article
Do allergy shots help seasonal allergies more than antihistamines and nasal steroids?
- Author:
- Fagnan L.J., MD
- Ariel K. Smits, MD, MPH
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrate the effectiveness of both allergen immunotherapy and...
Article
What are contraindications to IUDs?
- Author:
- Heather L. Paladine, MD
- Carol E. Blenning, MD
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Based on limited evidence, use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) is not contraindicated for women with HIV/AIDS (strength of...
Article
What are the risks to the fetus associated with diagnostic radiation exposure during pregnancy?
- Author:
- Ariel K. Smits, MD, MPH
- Heather L. Paladine, MD
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: There is no evidence of significant risk to the developing fetus from any single diagnostic x-ray exposure (strength of...
Article
What is the appropriate evaluation and treatment of children who are “toe walkers”?
- Author:
- Patrice M. Eiff, MD
- Elizabeth Steiner, MD
- Dolores Zegar Judkins, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: The evaluation of toe-walking focuses on differentiating normal children from those with mild cerebral palsy. Gait analysis...