Browse Primary Care Reports Articles by Topic

Evaluation of Peripheral Neuropathy in the Diabetic Foot

Among the many types of peripheral neuropathy, diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common in the U.S. population. Despite the cause, its progression leads to loss of protective sensation, skin ulcerations, and chronic wounds, which in turn cause soft tissue and bone infections requiring amputation. All of these scenarios depend on the type of glycemic control of the patient, and vary by severity. Prevention, ultimately by understanding the pathophysiology of neuropathy and understanding the biomechanics of gait in relation to the foot, has been proven to significantly decrease morbidity with this disease.

Hepatitis C Infection for Primary Care Providers

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis. Most people are asymptomatic, but for the majority of patients who become infected with hepatitis C, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection. The best way to prevent hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease, especially injection drug use, as there is no vaccine for HCV. With the forefront of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents, people can now be cured from HCV infection.

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.

Alzheimer’s Disease: What the Primary Care Physician Needs to Know

This article explores current medical approaches to Alzheimer’s dementia, the most common subtype of the known dementias or neurocognitive disorders. Preventive treatment is at the forefront of efforts to defeat this progressively impairing disorder; but to be effective, intervention must start well before symptoms begin. The role of the primary care provider in initiating vigorous and early preventive measures and applying appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions at each stage of disease progression is reviewed and discussed.

Pharmacologic Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Part 2

This two-part series of articles will address pharmacological agents, except insulin, used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. Part 1 covered sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, incretin-based therapies, amylin analog, and dopamine receptor agonists. Part 2 will focus on biguanides, thiazolidinediones, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and bile acid resins, as well as the authors’ treatment recommendations. Appendix A (http://bit.ly/2eyB4Px) is a comprehensive table of the effectiveness and costs of various combination therapies.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Part 1

MONOGRAPH: Covering sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, incretin-based therapies, amylin analog, and dopamine receptor agonists.

Acute Knee Pain

Many nontraumatic conditions affect the knee and can cause severe impairment and morbidity to patients. However, primary care physicians should feel comfortable in addressing and treating acute knee pain.

Rosacea: Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, and Treatment

MONOGRAPH: Here's an in-depth guide for the primary care physician.

Arterial Ischemic Stroke Prevention and Risk Factor Management

MONOGRAPH: Here is the best evidence-based practice for stroke diagnosis, prevention, and risk factor management.

Current Management of Abscesses

Abscesses are common skin and soft tissue infections, and their incidence has continued to rise substantially over the years. Despite the high prevalence of abscesses in current care, the management of abscesses varies widely between care providers. This article reviews the current management options for simple cutaneous abscesses in patients, including review of the epidemiology, differential diagnosis, diagnostic studies, and changing practice of wound cultures and antibiotic therapy. In addition, this article outlines the essential steps of abscess management, informing practitioners of current best practice options as evidenced by current literature or expert opinion.