RSS 1.0Priority Updates to Research Literature (PURLs)
Priority Updates from the Research Literature (PURLs) distill the literature to those few articles that are relevant, practice-changing, and able to be implemented immediately. They generate new evidence-based recommendations for practice for family physicians and other primary care clinicians. PURLs are published exclusively in the Journal of Family Practice.
Items in MOspace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.
Recent Submissions
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When can exercise supplant surgery for degenerative meniscal tears?
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2017-04)When can exercise supplant surgery for degenerative meniscal tears? PRACTICE CHANGER: Recommend supervised exercise therapy to your patients with a medial, degenerative meniscal tear and a minimal history of osteoarthritis ... -
"Cold turkey" works best for smoking cessation
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2017-03)"Cold turkey" works best for smoking cessation. PRACTICE CHANGER: Counsel patients who want to quit smoking that abrupt smoking cessation is more effective for long-term abstinence than taking a gradual approach. STRENGTH ... -
Steroids during late preterm labor: better later than never
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2017-02)Steroids during late preterm labor: Better later than never. Steroids—even when administered in the last leg of the late preterm period—still reduce the likelihood of respiratory complications in newborns. Practice changer: ... -
Need an add-on to metformin? Consider this
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2017-01)Need an add-on to metformin? Consider this. Sulfonylureas have been the preferred add-on therapy to metformin for T2DM, but a study finds that DPP-4s have lower risks of death, CV events, and hypoglycemia. Practice changer: ... -
A more palatable alternative to oral rehydration therapy for kids
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2016-12)A more palatable alternative to oral rehydration therapy for kids. Parents no longer need to struggle to get their kids to drink electrolyte solutions during episodes of mild gastroenteritis; apple juice works just as well. ... -
Monitoring home BP readings just got easier
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2016-10)Monitoring home BP readings just got easier. This novel method of identifying patients with uncontrolled hypertension correlates well with ambulatory BP monitoring. Practice changer: Use this easy "3 out of 10 rule" to ... -
Deliver or wait with late preterm membrane rupture?
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2016-11)Deliver or wait with late preterm membrane rupture? While ACOG recommends delivery for all women with ruptured membranes after 34 weeks' gestation, a new study finds expectant management may be the way to go. Practice ... -
Yeast infection in pregnancy? Think twice about fluconazole
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2016-09)Yeast infection in pregnancy? Think twice about fluconazole. This study's findings regarding the risk of miscarriage may mean it's time to forego fluconazole in favor of topical azoles as first-line treatment. Practice ... -
On-demand pill protocol protects against HIV
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2016-08)On-demand pill protocol protects against HIV: Finally, there's an effective prevention strategy -- other than condoms -- that can be used, as needed, by patients at high risk for HIV infection. Practice changer: Offer ... -
More isn't better with acute low back pain treatment
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2016-06)More isn't better with acute low back pain treatment Adding cyclobenzaprine or oxycodone/acetaminophen to naproxen for the treatment of acute low back pain does nothing more than increase adverse effects. Practice changer: ... -
Light therapy for nonseasonal major depressive disorder?
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2016-07)Light therapy for nonseasonal major depressive disorder? While bright light therapy already has a place in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder, a recent trial spotlights its utility beyond the winter months. ... -
Go low or say No to aggressive systolic BP goals?
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2016-05)"Go low" or say "No" to aggressive systolic BP goals? The SPRINT trial demonstrated the benefits -- and risks -- of reaching a systolic target <120 mm Hg in non-diabetic patients at high risk for CV events. Here's who might ... -
Resistant hypertension? Time to consider this fourth-line drug
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2016-04)Resistant hypertension? Time to consider this fourth-line drug For most adults with resistant hypertension, spironolactone is superior to doxazosin and bisoprolol as an adjunct to triple therapy. Practice changer: When a ... -
Kidney stones? It's time to rethink those meds
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2016-02)Kidney stones? It's time to rethink those meds. Despite being recommended for ureteral stone expulsion, tamsulosin or nifedipine are no more effective than placebo. Practice changer: Do not prescribe tamsulosin or nifedipine ... -
Aneuploidy screening: Newer noninvasive test gains traction
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2016-01)Favorable results from the 2 studies reviewed here have prompted ACOG to recommend that cell-free DNA screening be discussed with all pregnant patients. Practice changer: Discuss cell-free DNA testing when offering fetal ... -
Should you bypass anticoagulant bridging before and after surgery?
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2015-12)Should you bypass anticoagulant "bridging" before and after surgery? Skipping perioperative use of LMWH in low- and moderate-risk patients on warfarin for atrial fibrillation doesn't increase their risk of stroke or bleeding. ... -
Sterile or non-sterile gloves for minor skin excisions?
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2015-11)Sterile or non-sterile gloves for minor skin excisions? Non-sterile gloves are just as effective as sterile gloves in preventing surgical site infection after minor skin surgeries. PRACTICE CHANGER: Consider using non-sterile ... -
This adjunct medication can speed CAP recovery
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2015-10)This adjunct medication can speed CAP recovery: Adding prednisone to the antibiotic regimen can help patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia to stabilize more quickly and leave the hospital sooner. PRACTICE ... -
It's time to reconsider early-morning testosterone tests
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2015-07)Guidelines recommend collecting an early-morning sample to compensate for the natural diurnal variation in testosterone levels. But for men 45 and older, this is unnecessary. Practice changer: Early-morning testosterone ... -
Consider these medications to help patients stay sober
(Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2015-04)Naltrexone can help prevent relapse in recently detoxified patients with alcohol use disorder. The evidence for acamprosate is not quite as strong. Practice changer: Consider prescribing oral naltrexone (50 mg/d) for ...