JAAPA-Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants articles from October 2003

JAAPA-Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants archives from October 2003

A primer on oncology for the primary care PA.(Editorial)(physician assistant)(Editorial)
October 1, 2003... Over the past few decades in this country, awareness of the devastation that cancer causes has been increasing. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and contributes significantly to morbidity and health care and...

Alternation of antiretroviral drug regimens for HIV infection. A randomized, controlled trial.(Infectious Disease)(Author Abstract)
October 1, 2003... Martinez-Picado J, Negredo E, Ruiz L, et al. Ann Intern Med. July 15, 2003;139:81-89. The Switching Antiviral Therapy Combination against HIV-1 (SWATCH) study, performed in 1999 and 2000, randomized patients to one of three regimens:...

Ideopathic anterior knee pain in adolescents.(Orthopedics)(Author Abstract)
October 1, 2003... Shea KG, Pfeiffer R, Curtin M. Orthop Clin North Am. 2003;34:377-383. Adolescent anterior knee pain, also referred to as chondromalacia patella, is a common problem. This article provides an overview of the more frequent causes of...

Prevention of pediatric overweight and obesity.(Pediatrics)(Author Abstract)
October 1, 2003... Krebs NF, Jacobson MS; American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. Pediatrics. 2003;112:424-430. The probability of childhood obesity persisting into adulthood is estimated from 20% at 4 years of age to 80% by adolescence. The...

Mental health and health-related quality of life among adult Latino primary care patients living in the United States with previous exposure to political violence.(Psychiatry)(Author Abstract)
October 1, 2003... Eisenman DP, Gelberg L, Liu H, Shapiro MF. JAMA. 2003;290: 627-634. This two-stage survey of 638 Latin immigrant adults in three community-based primary care clinics in Los Angeles, Calif, examined the rate of exposure to political violence...

Cancer screening in primary care: informed decision making for cancer screening requires that patients receive counseling on their individual risk, the accuracy of tests, the benefits of testing, and the burdens involved.(Oncology Update)
October 1, 2003... Primary care practices are the principal setting for cancer screening. The pressure has increased for busy family practitioners to engage patients in shared decision making about cancer screening; consequently, the involvement of PAs in cancer...

Novel cancer therapies: targeting the molecules: although they are not yet miracle cures for cancer, molecular therapies offer proof of principle for scientists and hope for millions of patients.(Oncology Update)
October 1, 2003... In almost any setting, clinicians may be faced with the difficult task of disclosing and discussing a diagnosis of cancer. Even when referred to an oncologist, patients often turn to their primary care provider for information and advice. They...

Reacting swiftly to oncologic emergencies: patients undergoing cancer treatment are at risk for life-threatening emergent conditions. Here's how to recognize these conditions and manage them appropriately.(Oncology Update)
October 1, 2003... An oncologic emergency is a life-threatening event precipitated by the malignancy itself or by treatment for the cancer. (1) This article describes some common emergent conditions according to presenting symptoms and provides an overview of the...

Symptom control in advanced cancer: meeting the challenge: your ability to ask intuitive questions, make accurate assessments, and institute appropriate therapies can help you minimize suffering and maximize the quality of your cancer patient's remaining time.(Oncology Update)
October 1, 2003... The three components of palliative care are relieving distress caused by symptoms, open communication, and practical and psychosocial support for the dying patient and the family. In addition to pain, the most common symptoms experienced by...

CME post-test: expiration date October 2004.(continuing medical education)
October 1, 2003... Please take this CME Post-test online at www.aapa.org. Scott SM, Holmberg J. Cancer screening in primary care. JAAPA. 2003;16(10):15, 16, 19-22. Yates R, Lyons M, Horstman A. Symptom control in advanced cancer: Meeting the challenge....

Using NPs for chronic disease care.(PA Watch)(Nurse practitioners)(Author Abstract)
October 1, 2003... Sharples LD, Edmunds J, Bilton D, et al. A randomised controlled crossover trial of nurse practitioner versus doctor led outpatient care in a bronchiectasis clinic. Thorax. 2002;57:661-666. * The authors of this British study postulate that...

Trends in the supply of PAs and NPs.(PA Watch)(physicians' assistants and nurse practitioners)
October 1, 2003... Fraher E, Shedle J. Smith L. Trends in the supply of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in North Carolina, 1990-2001. North Carolina Health Professions Data System. Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research. University of...

Mediterranean diet reduces all cause mortality.(Patient-oriented evidence that matters)(Author Abstract)
October 1, 2003... Clinical question Does a Mediterranean diet reduce mortality? Bottom line This excellent study lends further strength to the association between a Mediterranean diet (rich in vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, cereals, olive oil, fish,...

LMW heparin better than warfarin in preventing recurrent DVT in CA patients.(Patient-oriented evidence that matters)(deep vein thrombosis)(cancer)(low molecular-weight)
October 1, 2003... Clinical question In patients with cancer and venous thromboembolism, is low-molecular-weight heparin more effective than warfarin in the prevention of recurrent emboli? Bottom line For every 13 cancer patients with an episode of venous...

Intermittent steroid prevents atopic dermatitis relapse.(Patient-oriented evidence that matters)(Author Abstract)
October 1, 2003... Clinical question Can the intermittent use of a potent topical steroid prevent relapse in patients with atopic dermatitis? Bottom line After controlling symptoms of atopic dermatitis with regular use of a topical steroid, applying the same...

CME calendar.
October 1, 2003... OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 2 PAS, a Cut Above: Global Care of the Surgical Patient Provider: Ohio Association of PAs. Location: Perrysburg, Ohio. Contact: Beth Adamson, (800) 292-4997, OAPA@infinet.com NOVEMBER 4-7 Trends in Patient...