Guideline Central Blog

The chronic and progressive nature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently marked by exacerbations, which are clinically defined as episodes of worsening respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, increased sputum production, and heightened sputum purulence. These exacerbations not only diminish the quality of life for individuals with COPD but also hasten disease advancement, […]

Diabetic retinopathy, the most prevalent microvascular complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, stands as a primary contributor to new cases of vision impairment among individuals aged 20 to 74 in the United States. This condition serves as the ocular manifestation of end-organ damage in diabetes mellitus. Factors that heighten the risk of […]

Prostate cancer continues to be the most prevalent non-cutaneous cancer among men in the United States (US), with an estimated 268,490 new cases and 34,500 deaths projected for 2022. Given that the majority of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients present with localized disease, it is crucial to provide evidence-based guideline statements to guide clinical decision-making […]

Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, affecting approximately 15% of the global population. It is more commonly diagnosed in North America and Europe compared to Asia, likely due to variations in diet, culture, and environment. Risk factors for constipation include age over 65, female gender, sedentary lifestyle, low socioeconomic status, low-fiber diet, and non-White race. […]

In our most recent edition of the Guidelines Timelines, we will be exploring the topic of stroke rehabilitation. In August 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) jointly released an updated clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the management of stroke rehabilitation for their healthcare providers. This new guideline serves […]

In this installment of our Guidelines Timelines Series, we will be conducting a comparative analysis of the American College of Gastroenterology’s (ACG) 2024 guideline on Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease in contrast to their previous 2018 version. Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) stands as a prominent cause of preventable liver-related morbidity and mortality on a global scale, including […]

In this edition of our Guidelines Timeline series, we will explore the recently released 2024 Guideline for the Primary Prevention of Stroke by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA). This updated guideline supersedes the previous version from 2014, providing clinicians with a comprehensive resource to aid in the implementation of prevention […]

Among all women in the United States, breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2023, an estimated 43,170 women lost their lives to breast cancer. The incidence of breast cancer has been gradually increasing among women aged 40 to 49 years from 2000 to 2015, […]

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, with early detection playing a pivotal role in successful treatment and survival rates. Early-stage breast cancer, confined to the breast or nearby lymph nodes, presents opportunities for intervention that can significantly improve patient outcomes. In this article, we delve into the evolving landscape […]

Childhood obesity is a prevalent chronic disease affecting children today, with a complex etiology involving genetic, physiological, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. The increase in childhood obesity rates in the United States has been significant, rising from approximately 5% in the 1960s to over 19% according to recent estimates. This condition greatly increases the risk of […]

The American Urological Association (AUA) stands as the leading urologic association, offering invaluable support to the global urologic community and its 23,000 members. Their mission is to advance the highest standards of urological clinical care through education, research, and the development of healthcare policies. AUA’s Clinical Practice Guidelines provide evidence-based guidance with a clear scope […]

Hemophilia A and B, the most common severe hereditary bleeding disorders, arise from deficiencies in factor VIII and factor IX, respectively. These conditions result in prolonged bleeding episodes, which can occur spontaneously or with minimal trauma, depending on the level of factor activity. Apart from treating acute bleeding, prophylaxis is a key strategy in hemophilia […]

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is the largest association of eye physicians and surgeons globally. Their mission is to protect vision and enhance quality of life by establishing the benchmarks for ophthalmic education and championing the interests of patients and the general public.   AAO regularly releases Preferred Practice Pattern® guidelines (PPP) aimed at defining […]

Affecting more than one-third of adults in the US, obesity remains a pressing health challenge for both providers and patients, conferring significant risk for comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and cardiovascular disease. While lifestyle modifications and medical therapies, including anti-obesity medications (AOM), can be effective for some, they often fall short […]

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIM) Use in Older Adults is a widely recognized and utilized tool in the healthcare community. The AGS Beers Criteria is regularly updated every 3-4 years to ensure its relevance and accuracy in guiding healthcare professionals in prescribing medications for individuals aged 65 and […]