Articles related to Family Medicine/General Practice

Habitual alcohol consumption at all levels has been found to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between level of consumption and risk is not linear, and at lower consumption levels, other lifestyle patterns have mitigating effects.

Diabetes medications, such as metformin, have glucose-independent effects on the male reproductive system. However, until now, it was unknown if these effects lead to birth defects in offspring. This study concludes that metformin intake in men is associated with major birth defects, particularly genital birth defects in boys.

Given the high burden of shoulder conditions, clinicians should pay attention to any factors that may further increase risks. This study found a low incidence of shoulder issues following vaccination in the deltoid muscle but does delineate population at higher risk for developing these issues.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is taking issue with the US Senate’s recently passed legislation that will make daylight saving time (DST) permanent starting in 2023. AASM cautions that this permanent change would lead to health risks that include adverse cardiovascular events, mood disorders, and motor vehicle crashes. The group advocates for establishing permanent standard time instead.

This quiz tests your knowledge on the appropriate screening follow-up from a 23-year-old woman who was treated for gonococcal arthritis. After a physical exam that showed a complete resolution of symptoms, which screening test is the next course of action? A CD4 lymphocyte subset? Serum IgA level? Total hemolytic complement (CH50) level? Is any additional testing even needed?

Published in its entirety in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and available here from Guideline Central, the AGS Beers Criteria® also includes a host of resources— from mobile apps to a pocket reference card. The five lists included describe particular medications with evidence suggesting they should be avoided, used in caution, or dosed differently.