Library of Resources for Chronic Diseases and Related Conditions
Chronic diseases are the most prevalent health care problems in the United States, with nearly half (45 percent) of all Americans reporting at least one chronic illness.1 Many chronic diseases are lifelong, and their impact lessens the quality of life not only of those living with the diseases, but also of family members, caregivers, and others. More than two-thirds of all deaths are caused by one or more of the most common chronic diseases,2 including:
- Breathing Conditions
- Cancer
- Developmental Delays, ADHD, and Autism
- Diabetes
- Digestive System Conditions
- Heart and Blood Vessel Conditions
- Mental Health
- Muscle, Bone, and Joint Conditions
- Obesity (a related condition)
- Renal Disease
Breathing Conditions
This category includes diseases such as sleep apnea, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other common chronic lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and bronchiectasis. In all cases, damage or blockage of the airways interferes with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis and/or Asthma: Comparative Effectiveness Review
- Assessment and Management of Chronic Cough
- Breathing Exercises and/or Retraining Techniques in the Treatment of Asthma: Comparative Effectiveness
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults
- Effectiveness of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis
- Interventions To Modify Health Care Provider Adherence to Asthma Guidelines
- Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NPPV) for Acute Respiratory Failure
- Treatments for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Comparative Effectiveness of Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults
- Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation for Acute Respiratory Failure: Comparative Effectiveness
- Subcutaneous and Sublingual Immunotherapy To Treat Allergic Rhinitis/Rhinoconjunctivitis and Asthma
- Use of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone for Pediatric Patients With Cystic Fibrosis
CME/CE Activities:
- Guidance for Informed and Shared Decision Making about Diagnostic Tools and Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Subcutaneous and Sublingual Immunotherapy to Treat Allergic Rhinitis/Rhinoconjunctivitis and Asthma
Slide Library:
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults
- Effectiveness of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis
- Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation for Acute Respiratory Failure: Comparative Effectiveness
- Subcutaneous and Sublingual Immunotherapy to Treat Allergic Rhinitis/Rhinoconjunctivitis and Asthma
Resources for Patients
Patient Treatment Summaries:
- Allergy Shots and Allergy Drops for Adults and Children
- Human Growth Hormone for Children With Cystic Fibrosis: A Review of the Research for Parents and Caregivers (En Español)
- Treating Sleep Apnea: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
Podcasts:
- Asthma and Minorities
- Cystic Fibrosis Treatment
- How to Manage Chronic Diseases
- Wrong Beliefs About Asthma
Cancer
Cancer is a term for a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. Cancers are described based on the origin of the tumor, including:
- Carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs, for example, breast, prostate, lung, pancreas, and colon
- Sarcoma: Cancer that begins in the muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, or other supporting tissue of the body
- Lymphoma and leukemia: Cancers that begin in blood cells
- Germ cell tumor: A type of tumor that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs, most often present in the testicle or the ovary
- Blastoma: A type of tumor that originates from precursor cells or blasts (immature or embryonic tissue)3
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Radiotherapy Treatments for Head and Neck Cancer
- Comparative Effectiveness of Core-Needle and Open Surgical Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Breast Lesions
- Comparative Effectiveness of Epoetin and Darbepoetin for Managing Anemia in Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment–An Update to the 2006 Report
- Comparative Effectiveness of Fecal DNA Testing in Screening for Colorectal Cancer in Average Risk Adults
- Comparative Effectiveness of Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplants in the Pediatric Population
- Comparative Effectiveness of Medications To Reduce Risk of Primary Breast Cancer in Women
- Comparative Effectiveness of Noninvasive Diagnostic Tests for Breast Abnormalities—An Update to the 2006 Report
- Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer
- Local Hepatic Therapies for Metastases to the Liver From Unresectable Colorectal Cancer
- Local Nonsurgical Therapies for Stage I and Symptomatic Obstructive Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
- Oral Contraceptive Use for the Primary Prevention of Ovarian Cancer
- Serum Free Light Chain Analysis for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prognosis of Plasma Cell Dyscrasias
Other Research Reports:
- Multigene Panels in Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment
- NIH State-of-the-Science Conference: Role of Active Surveillance in the Management of Men With Localized Prostate Cancer
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Radiotherapy Treatments for Head and Neck Cancer
- Core-Needle Biopsy for Breast Abnormalities: Clinician's Guide
- Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Rare Diseases in the Pediatric Population
- Medications To Reduce the Risk of Primary Breast Cancer in Women
- Treatments for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer
CME/CE Activities:
- A Case Study in Prostate Cancer Treatment: Utilizing Comparative Effectiveness Research for Patient-Centered Decisionmaking
- Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Radiotherapy Treatments for Head and Neck Cancer
- Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: Weighing the Options
- Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies for Reducing the Risk of Primary Breast Cancer: Guidance for Shared Decision Making
Slide Library:
- Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Radiotherapy Treatments for Head and Neck Cancer
- Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Rare Diseases in the Pediatric Population
Resources for Patients
Patient Treatment Summaries:
- Bone Marrow or Blood Stem Cell Transplants in Children With Certain Rare Inherited Metabolic Diseases
- Bone Marrow or Blood Stem Cell Transplants in Children With Severe Forms of Autoimmune Disorders or Certain Types of Cancer
- Having a Breast Biopsy: A Guide for Women and Their Families (En Español)
- Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer With Medicine: A Guide for Women (En Español)
- Treating Prostate Cancer: A Guide for Men with Localized Prostate Cancer (En Español)
- Understanding Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Guide for Adults and Their Caregivers (En Español)
Patient Decision Aids:
Podcasts:
- Medications to Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer
- Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer with Medicines
- Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
- Using Core Needle Biopsy to Diagnose Breast Cancer
- Web-based Decision Aid for Men with Prostate Cancer
Developmental Delays, ADHD, and Autism
Developmental delays may be caused by conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness, and autism, characterized by difficulty with social interactions and communication.
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Effectiveness of Treatment in at-risk Preschoolers; Long-term Effectiveness in All Ages; and Variability in Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Therapies for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Behavioral Interventions Update
Other Research Reports:
- ADHD Medications and Risk of Serious Coronary Heart Disease in Young and Middle-Aged Adults
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Medications and Risk of Serious Cardiovascular Disease in Children and Youth
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents
- Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
CME/CE Activities:
- Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Comparing Pharmacologic, Behavioral, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Interventions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
- Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Treatment Options for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Slide Library:
- Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Treatment Options for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Resources for Consumers
Patient Treatment Summaries:
- Therapies for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review of the Research for Parents and Caregivers (En Español)
- Treatment Options for ADHD in Children and Teens: A Review of Research for Parents and Caregivers (En Español)
Podcasts:
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus, often referred to simply as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high levels of sugar in the blood, either because the body does not produce enough insulin or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Comparative Effectiveness, Safety and Indications of Pre-mixed Insulin Analogues for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
- Methods for Insulin Delivery and Glucose Monitoring: Comparative Effectiveness
- Oral Diabetes Medications for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: An Update
Other Research Reports:
- Screening and Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
- Therapeutic Management, Delivery, and Postpartum Risk Assessment and Screening in Gestational Diabetes
- Use of Electronic Medical Records and Administrative Claims Data for Assessing Type 2 Diabetes Care
- Who Uses Exenatide For Glucose Control in Diabetes Mellitus? A Retrospective Cohort Study of a New Therapy
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Comparing Medications for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes: Caring for Women During and After Pregnancy
- Insulin Delivery and Glucose Monitoring Methods for Diabetes Mellitus: Comparative Effectiveness
- Premixed Insulin Analogues: A Comparison With Other Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes
CME/CE Activities:
- Comparing Medicines for Type 2 Diabetes
- Comparing the Benefits and Risks of Oral Medications for Type 2 Diabetes: An Interactive, Case-Based Approach
- Insulin Delivery and Glucose Monitoring Methods for Diabetes Mellitus: Comparative Effectiveness
- Management of an Adult with Type 2 Diabetes with Antidiabetic Medications: A Case Scenario
- Practical Application of Shared and Informed Treatment Decisions Based on Comparative Effectiveness Research: Addressing the Needs of Underserved Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Slide Library:
- Comparing Medications for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
- Insulin Delivery and Glucose Monitoring Methods for Diabetes Mellitus: Comparative Effectiveness
- Management of an Adult with Type 2 Diabetes with Antidiabetic Medications: A Case Scenario
Webcasts:
Resources for Patients
Patient Treatment Summaries:
- Gestational Diabetes: A Guide for Pregnant Women (En Español)
- Medicines for Type 2 Diabetes: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Methods for Delivering Insulin and Monitoring Blood Sugar: A Review of the Research for Children, Teens, and Adults With Diabetes (En Español)
- Premixed Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes: A Guide for Adults (En Español)
Podcasts:
English
- Comparing Type 2 Diabetes Treatments
- Diabetes Pill Use is Up–Insulin Use is Down
- How to Manage Chronic Diseases
Spanish
- Aprenda a controlar la diabetes
- Controle su diabetes
- Diabetes gestacional
- Diabetes y la gripe
- Pastillas para la diabetes tipo 2
- Tratamientos para la diabetes tipo 2
Digestive System Conditions
Chronic disorders and diseases of the digestive system such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, also known as acid reflux disease), ulcers, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Adjuvant Treatment for Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Comparative Effectiveness of Management Strategies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – an Update to the 2005 Report
- Wireless Motility Capsule Versus Other Diagnostic Technologies for Evaluating Gastroparesis and Constipation: A Comparative Effectiveness Review
Clinician Research Summaries:
CME/CE Activities:
Slide Library:
Resources for Patients
Patient Treatment Summaries:
Podcasts:
Heart and Blood Vessel Conditions
A variety of diseases can affect the heart and blood vessels, such as:
- Coronary heart disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiovascular disease
- Ischemic heart disease
- Heart failure
- Hypertensive heart disease
- Inflammatory heart disease
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Adjunctive Devices for Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
- Closing the Quality Gap Series: Medication Adherence Interventions: Comparative Effectiveness
- Dietary Supplements in Adults Taking Cardiovascular Drugs
- Interventions To Improve Cardiovascular Risk Factors in People With Serious Mental Illness
- Intravascular Diagnostic Procedures and Imaging Techniques Versus Angiography Alone in Coronary Artery Stenting: Comparative Effectiveness Review
- Noninvasive Technologies for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease in Women
- Pharmacologic and Mechanical Prophylaxis of Venous Thromboembolism Among Special Populations
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Screening, Management, and Treatment
- Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring: Comparative Effectiveness
- Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
- Testing of CYP2C19 Variants and Platelet Reactivity for Guiding Antiplatelet Treatment
- Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
- Treatment Strategies for Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
- Treatment Strategies for Women With Coronary Artery Disease
- Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery
Clinician Research Summaries:
- ACEIs, ARBs, or DRI for Adults With Hypertension
- Adding ACEIs and/or ARBs to Standard Therapy for Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: Benefits and Harms
- Adjunctive Devices in PCI To Remove Thrombi or Protect Against Distal Embolization in Patients With ACS
- Effectiveness of Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring in Adults With Hypertension
- Management of Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis
- Noninvasive Technologies for Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease in Women: Comparative Effectiveness
- Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
- Treating Cholesterol With Combination Therapy
- Use Versus Nonuse of Dietary Supplements in Adults Taking Cardiovascular Drugs
- Utilization and Clinical Data on In-Hospital Off-Label Uses of Recombinant Factor VIIa
- Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery
CME/CE Activities:
- ACEIs, ARBs, or DRI for Adults With Hypertension
- Adjunctive Devices for Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
- AHRQ's Comparative Effectiveness Research on Lipid-Modifying Therapies: Summarizing the Systematic Review Findings
- Comparative Effectiveness Research: Noninvasive Technologies for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease in Women
- Dietary Supplements in Adults taking Cardiovascular Drugs: A Comparative Effectiveness Review
- Evidence-Based Simulations in Practice: Treatment Strategies for Women with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Noninvasive Technologies for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in Women
- Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery
Slide Library:
- ACEIs, ARBs, or DRI for Adults With Hypertension
- Adjunctive Devices for Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
- Effectiveness of In-Hospital Use of Recombinant Factor VIIa for Off-Label Indications vs. Usual Care
- Noninvasive Technologies for Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease in Women
- Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery
Webcasts:
- Applying Existing Evidence to Cardiac Care
- Carotid Revascularization: Present Patterns of Use, What Will the Future Hold?
Resources for Patients
Patient Treatment Summaries:
- “ACE Inhibitors” and “ARBs” To Protect Your Heart? (En Español)
- Choosing Medicines for High Blood Pressure: A Review of the Research on ACEs, ARBs, and DRIs (En Español)
- Measuring Your Blood Pressure at Home: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Preventing Blood Clots After Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery or Surgery for a Broken Hip: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Guide for Adults (En Español)
- Renal Artery Stenosis Treatments (En Español)
- Taking Dietary Supplements With Heart, Blood Pressure, or Cholesterol Medicines: A Review of the Research for Adults
- Treating High Cholesterol (En Español)
Podcasts:
- Comparing Blood Pressure Medicines
- Heart Health
- How to Manage Chronic Diseases
- Treating High Cholesterol
- Treating Stable Coronary Heart Disease
- Using Proton-Pump Inhibitors with Blood Thinners
Mental Health
Chronic mental health issues, such as depression and schizophrenia, can be debilitating for those who experience them and distressing for family members and caregivers. While the exact cause of these diseases remains unclear, it is thought that a combination of neurotransmitter imbalances plus genetic predisposition may contribute.
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Child Exposure to Trauma: Comparative Effectiveness of Interventions Addressing Maltreatment
- Child and Adolescent Exposure to Trauma: Comparative Effectiveness of Interventions Addressing Trauma Other Than Maltreatment or Family Violence
- Efficacy and Safety of Screening for Postpartum Depression
- First- and Second- Generation Antipsychotics for Children and Young Adults
- First-Generation Versus Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness
- Interventions for Adult Offenders With Serious Mental Illness
- Interventions for the Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adults After Exposure to Psychological Trauma
- Interventions To Improve Cardiovascular Risk Factors in People With Serious Mental Illness
- Multidisciplinary Postacute Rehabilitation for Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Adults
- Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults
- Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics: An Update
- Psychological and Pharmacological Treatments for Adults With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Practice-Based Interventions Addressing Concomitant Depression and Chronic Medical Conditions in the Primary Care Setting
- Screening, Behavioral Counseling, and Referral in Primary Care To Reduce Alcohol Misuse
- Second-Generation Antidepressants in the Pharmacologic Treatment of Adult Depression: An Update of the 2007 Comparative Effectiveness Review
- Traumatic Brain Injury and Depression
- Treatment for Depression After Unsatisfactory Response to SSRIs
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Depression After Traumatic Brain Injury
- First- and Second-Generation Antipsychotics for Children: Comparative Effectiveness
- First-Generation Versus Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness
- Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults
- Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics: An Update
- Second-Generation Antidepressants for Treating Adult Depression: An Update
- Treatment for Depression After Unsatisfactory Response to SSRIs in Adults and Adolescents
CME/CE Activities:
- Applying AHRQ's Comparative Effectiveness Research in Nonpharmacological Treatment of Depression and Discussion in Military Settings
- Comparative Effectiveness Review of Screening, Behavioral Counseling, and Referral in Primary Care to Reduce Alcohol Misuse
- Comparing Pharmacologic, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Interventions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
- Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- First-Generation Versus Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness
- First- and Second-Generation Antipsychotics for Children and Young Adults
- Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults
- Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics: An Update
- Second-Generation Antidepressants for Treating Adult Depression—An Update
- Summary of Screening, Behavioral Counseling, and Referral in Primary Care to Reduce Alcohol Misuse
- Summary of the Comparative Effectiveness Review on Off-label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics
- Traumatic Brain Injury and Depression
- Treatment for Depression After Unsatisfactory Response to SSRIs in Adults and Adolescents
- Updates on the Comparative Effectiveness of Second-Generation Antidepressants in the Pharmacologic Treatment of Adult Depression: A Feedback-Based Learning Activity
Slide Library:
- First- and Second-Generation Antipsychotics for Children and Young Adults
- First-Generation Versus Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness
- Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults
- Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics: An Update
- Second-Generation Antidepressants for Treating Adult Depression—An Update
- Traumatic Brain Injury and Depression
- Treatment for Depression After Unsatisfactory Response to SSRIs in Adults and Adolescents
Resources for Patients
Patient Treatment Summaries:
- Antipsychotic Medicines for Children and Teens: A Review of the Research for Parents and Caregivers (En Español)
- Antipsychotic Medicines for Treating Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Review of the Research for Adults and Caregivers
- Depression After Brain Injury: A Guide for Patients and Their Caregivers (En Español)
- Medicines for Treating Depression: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Medicines for Treating Mental Health Conditions: A Review of the Research for Adults and Caregivers (En Español)
- Therapies for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Review of the Research (En Español)
- Treatment Options When Your SSRI Antidepressant Is Not Working Well
Podcasts:
- Depression after a Traumatic Brain Injury
- How to Manage Chronic Diseases
- Medicines for Treating Mental Health
- Tough Guy Mentality and Depression
- Treatment-Resistant Depression
Muscle, Bone, and Joint Conditions
Rheumatic or musculoskeletal conditions are painful conditions usually caused by inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints or muscles and comprise more than 150 diseases and syndromes.4 Conditions with the greatest impact on society include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis.
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Analgesics for Osteoarthritis: An Update of the 2006 Comparative Effectiveness Review
- Antinuclear Antibody, Rheumatoid Factor, and Cyclic-Citrullinated Peptide Tests for Evaluating Musculoskeletal Complaints in Children
- Comparative Effectiveness of Nonoperative and Operative Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Drug Therapy for Psoriatic Arthritis in Adults: Update of a 2007 Report
- Drug Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults: An Update
- Pain Management Interventions for Hip Fracture
- Physical Therapy Interventions for Knee Pain Secondary to Osteoarthritis
- Treatment To Prevent Fractures in Men and Women With Low Bone Density or Osteoporosis: Update of a 2007 Report
Other Research Reports:
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Analgesics for Osteoarthritis
- Antinuclear Antibody, Rheumatoid Factor, and Cyclic-Citrullinated Peptide Tests for Evaluating Musculoskeletal Complaints in Children
- Comparative Effectiveness of Interventions for Rotator Cuff Tears in Adults
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Drug Therapy for Psoriatic Arthritis in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness
- Drug Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Comparative Effectiveness
- Pain Management Interventions for Elderly Patients With Hip Fracture
- Treatment To Prevent Osteoporotic Fractures: An Update
CME/CE Activities:
- Analgesics for Osteoarthritis–An Update
- Antinuclear Antibody, Rheumatoid Factor, and Cyclic-Citrullinated Peptide Testing for the Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Complaints in Pediatric Populations
- Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Analgesics for Osteoarthritis: A Panel Discussion With Applications to Practice
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Drug Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults
- Pain Management Interventions for Hip Fracture
- Preventing Fractures in Patients with Osteoporosis or Low Bone Density: A Review of the Evidence
- Summary of AHRQ's Comparative Effectiveness Review of Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs for Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Treatment To Prevent Fractures in Men and Women With Low Bone Desity or Osteoporosis: An Update
Slide Library:
- Analgesics for Osteoarthritis–An Update
- Antinuclear Antibody, Rheumatoid Factor, and Cyclic-Citrullinated Peptide Testing for the Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Complaints in Pediatric Populations
- Comparative Effectiveness of Nonoperative and Operative Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Drug Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults
- Pain Management Interventions for Hip Fracture
- Treatment To Prevent Fractures in Men and Women With Low Bone Density or Osteoporosis: An Update
Resources for Patients
Patient Treatment Summaries:
- DMARDs for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Review of the Research for Parents and Caregivers (En Español)
- Managing Osteoarthritis Pain With Medicines: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Managing Pain From a Broken Hip: A Guide for Adults and Their Caregivers (En Español)
- Medicines for Psoriatic Arthritis: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Medicines for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Reducing the Risk of Bone Fracture: A Review of the Research for Adults With Low Bone Density (En Español)
- Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears: A Guide for Adults (En Español)
Patient Decision Aids:
Podcasts:
- Avoid Broken Bones by Learning about Low Bone Density
- How to Manage Chronic Diseases
- Juvenile Arthritis Treatment Options
- Managing Osteoarthritis with Medicines
- Treating Osteoporosis
Obesity (a related condition)
During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States and rates remain high. More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7 percent) and approximately 17 percent (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.5
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Bariatric Surgery and Nonsurgical Therapy in Adults With Metabolic Conditions and a Body Mass Index of 30.0 to 34.9 kg/m²
- Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs: Comparative Effectiveness Review and Meta-Analysis
- Strategies To Prevent Weight Gain Among Adults
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs: Comparative Effectiveness
- Comparative Effectiveness of Bariatric Surgery and Nonsurgical Therapy in Adults With Metabolic Conditions and a Body Mass Index of 30.0 to 34.9 kg/m²
CME/CE Activities:
- Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs: Comparative Effectiveness
- Comparative Effectiveness of Bariatric Surgery and Nonsurgical Therapy in Adults with Metabolic Conditions and a Body Mass Index of 30 to 34.9 kg/m2
Slide Library:
- Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs: Comparative Effectiveness
- Bariatric Surgery and Nonsurgical Therapy in Adults With Metabolic Conditions and a Body Mass Index of 30.0 to 34.9 kg/m²
Resources for Patients
Patient Treatment Summaries:
- Keeping Children at a Healthy Weight
- Weight-Loss Surgery for Adults With Diabetes or Prediabetes Who Are at the Lower Levels of Obesity
Podcasts:
Renal Disease
The main function of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body. Chronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time and leads to a buildup of fluid and waste products in the body. 6 Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes of kidney disease.
Kidney stone disease is among the most painful and prevalent urological disorders. More than a million kidney stone cases are diagnosed each year with an estimated 10 percent of Americans destined to suffer from kidney stones at some point in their lives. 7
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Biomarkers for Assessing and Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia in Late-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1-3: Screening, Monitoring, and Treatment
- Recurrent Nephrolithiasis in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness of Preventive Medical Strategies
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Management of Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1–3
- Recurrent Nephrolithiasis in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness of Preventive Medical Strategies
CME/CE Activities:
- Comparative Effectiveness Research: Screening, Monitoring, and Treatment in Early Chronic Kidney Disease
- Management of Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1–3
Slide Library:
- Management of Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1–3
- Recurrent Nephrolithiasis in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness of Preventive Medical Strategies
Resources for Patients
Patient Treatment Summaries:
- Lowering the Chance of Getting Another Calcium Kidney Stone (En Español)
- Medicines for Early Stage Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review of the Research for Adults With Kidney Disease and Diabetes or High Blood Pressure (En Español)
Podcasts:
AHRQ's Effective Health Care Program is a leading resource for evidence-based, comparative effectiveness research on heart disease. AHRQ is providing this library of resources for health professionals and patients to help them compare and discuss treatment options in order to make more informed decisions and improve the quality of their health care. These resources are the latest in a series of AHRQ's growing library of free English- and Spanish-language publications that review the scientific evidence on various health conditions so patients and clinicians can work together to learn more about the benefits and risks of different treatment options.
These free AHRQ resources can be downloaded from this site or they can be ordered by contacting the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse at AHRQPubs@ahrq.hhs.gov or at 1-800-358-9295. When ordering, use the publication number and the code AHRQ C-01, which will expedite the ordering process.
- Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion. August 2012. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/index.htm
- ibid.
- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. February 2011. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. www.cancer.gov/dictionary
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center. 2013. WebMD. www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/an-overview-of-rheumatic-diseases
- Overweight and Obesity. April 2012. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/facts.html
- Chronic Kidney Disease. February 2013. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000471.htm
- Kidney and Uretal Stones. April 13. Urology Care Foundation. www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=148
Page originally created November 2013