Patients with a first episode of calf DVT with a transient risk factor should receive heparin therapy followed by oral anti- coagulation for six to 12 weeks. [Strength of recommendation: A, based on systematic review of ...

Raynaud's phenomenon is diagnosed by history, which also plays a key role in distinguishing primary from secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, based on expert opinion). The initial treatment ...

strategies--including positive attending, ignoring, the effective use of rewards and punishments, token economies, and time out --to address clinically significant behavior problems. In addition to parent training, other psychosocial interventions...

Oral metronidazole and oral vancomycin are equally effective treatments for Clostridium difficile- associated diarrhea (CDAD) (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on randomized trials). Oral vancomycin is considerably ...

Breastfed and formula-fed infants should receive intramuscular vitamin K soon after birth to prevent classic hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, systematic review of controlled trials). ...

There is no evidence that the use of antiviral agents in women who are pregnant and have a history of genital herpes prevents perinatal transmission of herpes simplex virus (HSV) to neonates. [Strength of recommendation: ...

When the standard therapies -- mild topical corticosteroids and moisturizers -- fail in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, patients are left with few proven remedies. The recently introduced topical immunosuppressive ...

No large-scale randomized, placebo-controlled trials evaluate furosemide's effect on mortality and long-term morbidity in diastolic or systolic dysfunction. In short-term studies, furosemide reduces edema, reduces ...

There is currently no evidence of harm; however, few patients have been studied and existing studies have many limitations. Therefore, it is not possible to definitively answer this question at this time. The existing ...

Leg cramps are very common (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, case series), and most cases have no detectable cause (SOR: C, expert opinion). Arterial vascular disease and neurological diseases are more prevalent among ...

A short-term course of erythromycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin is as effective as a long-term (2-week) erythromycin therapy in eradicating Bordetella pertussis from the nasopharynx (strength of recommendation [SOR]: ...

For current and former smokers, the evidence does not support yearly chest x-rays to decrease lung cancer mortality (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on multiple randomized controlled trials). Even with the ...

Treatments such as antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines/decongestants, and mucolytics afford no long-term benefit in the treatment of patients with otitis media with effusion (OME). [Strength of recommendation: A] Surgical ...

The best treatment strategy for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is lifestyle intervention with a structured weight loss program of diet and exercise (strength of recommendation [SOR]: ...

No examination technique objectively proves malingering (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, expert opinion). Waddell's signs are associated with poor treatment outcomes but cannot discriminate organic from nonorganic ...

No high-quality studies specifically address the utility of sputum Gram stain or culture in the assessment or treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or nursing home- acquired pneumonia (NHAP). The available evidence ...

Very little evidence exists regarding the use of quinine for cramps in young adult athletes. Quinine may be an effective treatment for heat cramps in athletes (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, 1 case series involving ...

The international normalized ratio (INR) should be measured monthly once therapeutic levels are achieved and are stable for at least 8 weeks, although treatment should be individualized and an increased frequency may be ...

Both fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy are effective in screening for colorectal cancer. FOBT can reduce mortality from colorectal cancer. [Strength of recommendation: A, based on high-quality ...

Little evidence describes the risks and benefits of progestin-only contraceptives therapy. No good-quality evidence exists to determine the risk of cancer associated with progestin-only contraceptives. Data are insufficient ...