One of the most common manifestations of disease, fever in children remains controversial, misunderstood, and often is thought to be mysterious. The clinician always should realize that fever is not a disease itself, but a manifestation of a number of different disease processes. Because there are substantial differences in the cause and outcome of fever-generating illnesses in children of different ages, the discussion must consider age. Not surprisingly, there is a diversity of approaches to fever.
Low back pain is among the top three most common complaints seen in primary care ambulatory medicine. Affecting up to 90% of the population at some time in their lives, it is second only to upper respiratory tract infection as a symptom-related reason for primary care visits. Men and women are equally afflicted with low back pain, with a steadily increasing prevalence with age.
Nesiritide, Scios' intravenous recombinant form of human B-type naturetic peptide, has been widely used for the treatment of congestive heart failure in hospitalized patients.
Acute renal failure, characterized by sudden loss of the ability of the kidneys to excrete waste, concentrate urine, conserve electrolytes, and maintain fluid balance, is a frequent clinical problem.
The FDA has asked Pfizer to withdraw valdecoxib (Bextra) from the market due to safety concerns.