Search

Anorectal pain is common but often misdiagnosed, and patients may suffer in silence if they are too uncomfortable discussing the topic with their healthcare provider. This article reviews rectal anatomy and the signs and symptoms of several common anorectal conditions and how to manage them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) are on the rise in the United States, especially among men who have sex with men, HIV-positive or other immunocompromised patients, and women with a history of cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer. Strong evidence supports the human papillomavirus as the causative factor in anal dysplasia; reducing the risk of HPV infection can reduce rates of ASCC. High-risk patients should be screened for AIN, but no universal screening guidelines exist, and more studies are needed to develop a national protocol for screening and management of patients with AIN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandifer syndrome is a rare complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease that may be more common than reported. This syndrome was first mentioned more than 50 years ago with minimal documentation in the medical literature. Because of the presentation, the patient may be referred for lengthy, expensive, and unnecessary neurologic testing. This may lead to a missed or delayed diagnosis, mismanagement, and the use of inappropriate medication. Providers should be aware of Sandifer syndrome when evaluating a child with torticollis or unusual posturing that is not associated with neuromuscular disease or injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver transplantation is a cure to many devastating acute and end-stage liver diseases. In the immediate postoperative period, patients are prone to graft, end-organ, and immunosuppressive complications. This article reviews the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of acute postoperative liver transplant complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advances in diabetes management, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Up to one-third of children may present with DKA as the original presentation of type 1 diabetes. These children develop clinical manifestations of DKA including hyperglycemia, acidosis, and ketosis. Clinicians must be able to identify those patients at risk, recognize common signs and symptoms, and start prompt management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the pathophysiology and causes of hyperkalemia in adults. Topics include the prevalence and risk factors of hyperkalemia, various causes of the disease including renal impairment, rhabdomyolysis, and adrenal insufficiency, and the clinical manifestations of hyperkalemia and the initial assessment.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is becoming more common, and numerous treatment algorithms are available for this complex disease. This article reviews screening, diagnosis, staging, and management of hepatocellular carcinoma, including various treatments for patients who are not candidates for surgical resection and transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer often is diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Knowing the risk factors, best diagnostic tests, and management options may help clinicians recognize pancreatic adenocarcinoma earlier, improving patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An acute, diffuse, inflammatory lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) affects up to 10% of patients in the ICU and leads to multiorgan failure and death in nearly half the patients affected. This article reviews the causes, signs and symptoms, and treatment of ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A life-threatening syndrome of circulatory failure, shock can be caused by loss of intravascular volume, obstruction of flow through the vascular compartment, or a generalized state of vasodilation. Early recognition and resuscitation are key to reducing patient mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers clinical information on the common oral pathologies that are seen in primary care. They include erythroplaskia, pyogenic granuloma, lichen planus, candidiases, solar cheilitis and idiopathic leukoplakia, among others. The clinical presentation of each pathologies are described, along with the diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches. It is noted that knowledge on oral cavity examination is relevant for clinicians to help their patients who complain of oral-facial pain.