Showing 21-40 of 803 for: Essential Evidence Topics Back
- Air embolism
Essential Evidence Topics, 29-Jul-2019
Overall Bottom Line: Diagnosis of arterial gas embolism is based on clinical history, with support from quantitative electroencephalography (EEG), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient should be given supplemental o
- Alcohol intoxication and poisoning
Essential Evidence Topics, 7-Feb-2020
Overall Bottom Line: Diagnosis of alcohol intoxication is made by history and physical examination. A positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is helpful to secure the diagnosis but does not correlate with the degree of intoxication or self-perceived in
- Alcohol withdrawal
Essential Evidence Topics, 20-Apr-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Alcohol-withdrawal symptoms typically start within 4 to 12 hours after cessation of alcohol, peak within 24 to 48 hours, and resolve within 4 to 5 days. The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment Scale is a reproducible and valid
- Allergic rhinitis
Essential Evidence Topics, 10-Dec-2020
Overall Bottom Line: Empiric treatment of patients with classic symptoms is appropriate. Treatment with intranasal steroids and nonsedating antihistamines is sufficient for most patients. Intranasal steroids are also effective in treating ocular sympt
- Alopecia and baldness
Essential Evidence Topics, 16-Dec-2019
Overall Bottom Line: Diagnosis is based on history and physical findings; in unclear cases, a skin biopsy may be useful. Minoxidil 5% topical solution (preferred initial therapy) and finasteride (FDA approved for men only) are treatment options for andr
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Essential Evidence Topics, 19-Sep-2019
Overall Bottom Line: Population screening for alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is not generally recommended. AAT levels should be checked in patients when there is a high degree of suspicion (); if abnormal, confirm by genetic testing. Consider AA
- Altitude sickness
Essential Evidence Topics, 9-Dec-2020
Overall Bottom Line: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is defined as the presence of headache in an unacclimatized person who has recently arrived at an altitude of 2500 m (8202 ft), plus the presence of one or more of the following: GI symptoms (anorexia, na
- Amenorrhea
Essential Evidence Topics, 1-Mar-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Women should be evaluated for a cause of amenorrhea if they have not started menarche by the age of 15 years. Women with a history of regular menses should be evaluated for a cause of amenorrhea if they have missed 3 cycles. Evalu
- Amphetamine toxicity
Essential Evidence Topics, 7-Aug-2019
Bottom Line: The most used amphetamines are MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, "Ecstasy," "Adam"), MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, tenamfetamine, "Eve"), and recently PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine). Amphetamine overdose can range from agitation and e
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Essential Evidence Topics, 30-Mar-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Suspect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in patients with weakness, fasciculations, dysarthria, or dysphagia. Diagnosis depends on finding upper motor neuron signs (such as weakness, spasticity, hyperreflexia, and Babinski signs)
- Anaphylaxis
Essential Evidence Topics, 18-Dec-2019
Overall Bottom Line: The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is made clinically. Attend first to airway, breathing, and circulation. Epinephrine and oxygen are the most important interventions. Laboratory tests may help confirm a diagnosis of anaphylaxis. Prop
- Anemia (aplastic)
Essential Evidence Topics, 4-Apr-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Patients typically present with vague or diffuse symptoms such as bleeding, shortness of breath, and generalized weakness. Confirm diagnosis with CBC, peripheral smear, and bone marrow biopsy. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (H
- Anemia (autoimmune hemolytic)
Essential Evidence Topics, 11-Nov-2019
Overall Bottom Line: Suspect hemolysis in someone with weakness (88%), fever (37%), jaundice (21%), dyspnea, (9%), heart failure (5%), or pallor (4%). If hemolysis is suspected, order CBC with peripheral blood smear to demonstrate spherocytes. Order tot
- Anemia (diagnostic approach)
Essential Evidence Topics, 7-Jan-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Screen high-risk infants (preterm or small-for-gestational age, started on cow's milk before age 1 year, or consuming greater than 24 ounces of milk per day) for iron-deficiency anemia. Serum ferritin is the best test for iron-defic
- Anemia (iron deficiency)
Essential Evidence Topics, 18-Feb-2020
Overall Bottom Line: While many organizations recommend screening asymptomatic pregnant women for iron deficiency anemia, the USPSTF reports insufficient evidence. High-risk infants in the age groups 6-12 months should receive iron supplementation, but
- Anemia (megaloblastic)
Essential Evidence Topics, 24-Feb-2020
Overall Bottom Line: In patients with symptoms suggestive of anemia and macrocytosis, order B12 and folate levels. If B12 is indeterminate, order methylmalonic acid and homocysteine levels. Oral folate or oral or intramuscular (IM) B12 supplementation
- Aneurysm (abdominal aorta)
Essential Evidence Topics, 8-Jun-2020
Overall Bottom Line: One-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm is recommended in men between the ages of 65 and 75 years who have ever smoked ( ) and may also be useful in nonsmoking men in that age range. There is insufficent evidence to recommend
- Aneurysm (cerebral)
Essential Evidence Topics, 21-Jun-2019
Overall Bottom Line: Screen for cerebral aneurysm with MRA if 2 first-degree relatives have an intracranial aneurysm and in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. A cerebral aneurysm of 7 mm or less has a 5-year risk of rupture of l
- Aneurysm (thoracic aorta)
Essential Evidence Topics, 22-Mar-2021
Background: OVERALL BOTTOM LINE Most patients are asymptomatic, but patients may complain of midback pain or chest pain. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is indicated in patients with an enlarged aortic root to assess the severity of aortic dilatati
- Angina (unstable)
Essential Evidence Topics, 9-Dec-2020
Overall Bottom Line: Perform a 12-lead ECG and obtain cardiac biomarkers promptly in all patients with chest discomfort consistent with possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Give 165 to 325 mg of non-enteric-coated aspirin to all patients with possibl
