Osteoarthritis as a Chronic Disease: Maximizing Management in Primary Care. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a serious disease characterized by chronic arthropathy, disruption of joint cartilage, osteophyte formation, and synovial fluid abnormalities. OA affects an estimated 27 million Americans, making it the most common of more than 100 types of arthritis. The prevalence of OA increases with age, and currently 34% of individuals older than 65 years have OA. Until recently, most OA in younger patients has been attributable to joint trauma.

The Evaluation and Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. In their day-to-day practice, primary care providers (PCPs) confront a plethora of clinical issues. In turn, they are faced with the challenge to prioritize these issues in order of importance, despite increased limits on time and resources. Historically, sleep-related concerns such as insomnia, tiredness, and sleepiness have taken a lower priority than other medical conditions such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease; therefore, they have not been adequately addressed.

Improving Patient Outcomes: A Guidelines-based Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a debilitating disease that affects millions of Americans and may go unrecognized and underdiagnosed. Overall, approximately 10% of people 40 years and older have moderately severe airflow obstruction measured by spirometry. In 2007, about 12 million Americans were diagnosed with COPD, but an additional 12 million may have had COPD that was undiagnosed.

Improving the Diagnosis and Treatment of Anaphylaxis: Updated Clinical Guidelines. Anaphylaxis is an acute, life-threatening systemic reaction that can occur by either immunologic or nonimmunologic mechanisms. The clinical manifestations of anaphylaxis, and their severity, result from the sudden release of mediators from mast cells and basophils.

OBESITY: Addressing the Perils of a Growing Epidemic. The prevalence of obesity is at epidemic proportions in the United States and worldwide, representing the second leading cause of preventable death. Over the past decade, the incidence of obesity in adults in the United States has consistently represented more than one-fourth of the population, with men and women being equally affected.