Browse Primary Care/Hospitalist Articles by Topic

Male Hypogonadism

Testosterone replacement therapy is a growing industry that deserves discussion between patients and their healthcare providers. Recently, many insights into new formulations, advertising, and potential risks have heightened the controversy surrounding low testosterone syndrome, appropriate diagnosis, and risks and benefits of testosterone supplementation. A plethora of non-regulated supplements termed “testosterone boosters” are being marketed directly to the public without adequate assessment. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to be familiar with how to conduct and interpret diagnostic tests as well as with appropriate use of TRT as established by various medical organizations, including the Endocrine Society. This review will discuss the definitions, pathophysiology, causes, clinical manifestations, appropriate diagnostic testing procedures, and the role of testosterone supplementation with currently available formulations, with special attention to efficacy and adverse effects in hypogonadism in men.

An Alternating QRS with AV Block?

There is no 12-lead ECG on this patient, which means that our assessment of QRS morphology is limited to this single right-sided MCL-1 monitoring lead.

Clinical Briefs

In this section: connecting asthma to obesity; finding the right treatment for uncomplicated gastroesophageal reflux disease; and better blood pressure control.

Bezlotoxumab Injection (Zinplava)

Bezlotoxumab neutralizes the effect of toxin B and reduces the rate of recurrence of C. difficile infection.

Is Yoga Effective for Treating Asthma?

Although the data on yoga in asthma are only of moderate quality, they suggest that yoga may improve quality of life and asthma symptoms.

What Influences ICU Admission?

High ICU utilization hospitals were more likely to use invasive procedures and incurred higher costs than low ICU utilization hospitals with no difference in mortality.

Is Anxiety a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease?

Anxiety disorders are associated with an elevated risk of a range of different cardiovascular events including stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and cardiovascular deaths, but it is unclear whether these disorders are causal in nature.

Just Two HPV Shots Recommended for Younger Teens

The CDC now recommends that 11- to 12-year-olds receive two doses of HPV vaccine at least six months apart, rather than the previously recommended three doses.

Link Between Early Menopause, Higher Risk of Fracture Confirmed

A new analysis of data from the Women’s Health Initiative trial indicates an increased risk of fracture among women who reported early menopause (age 40 or younger), regardless of whether they were treated with hormone therapy and/or calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Data Indicate Male Birth Control Shot May Be Effective

Men may be able to use birth control shots to prevent pregnancy in their female partners, data suggest in a just-published Phase II study.