American family physician
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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a rare, chronic pain disorder. It is challenging for patients and physicians because it leads to significant morbidity due to chronic pain that may last for years. CRPS typically develops four to six weeks after direct trauma, such as an injury or surgery, and causes pain that is out of proportion to the inciting injury. ⋯ There is no single proven treatment modality for CRPS, and there have been no large randomized controlled studies of CRPS treatments. Most treatments are based on studies of their use for other types of neuropathic pain. The mainstay of treatment is to improve function of the affected body part and to decrease pain; therefore, treatment requires multiple modalities, including medications, behavioral health interventions, and referral to a pain specialist.
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American family physician · Jul 2021
ReviewManagement of Infants Born to Mothers with HIV Infection.
In the United States, approximately 5,000 women living with HIV infection give birth each year. HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her child at any time during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and breastfeeding. Because of effective preventive measures, the transmission rate from pregnant women to their children has declined significantly. ⋯ All infants born to mothers with HIV infection should receive antiretroviral postexposure prophylaxis as soon as possible, ideally within six hours after delivery. The type of prophylaxis depends on whether the mother has achieved virologic suppression, defined by an HIV RNA load of less than 50 copies per mL, and if the infant is at high risk of vertical transmission of HIV. Risk factors for vertical transmission include maternal seroconversion during pregnancy or breastfeeding, high maternal plasma viral RNA load during pregnancy, and advanced maternal HIV disease.
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Unintentional weight loss in people older than 65 years is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nonmalignant diseases are more common causes of unintentional weight loss in this population than malignant causes. However, malignancy accounts for up to one-third of cases of unintentional weight loss. ⋯ Dietary modifications that consider patient preferences and chewing or swallowing disabilities should be considered. Appetite stimulants and high-calorie supplements are not recommended. Treatment should focus on feeding assistance, addressing contributing medications, providing appealing foods, and social support.