The following represent additions to UpToDate since the last version that were considered by the authors and editors to be of particular interest. The new material described below represents a small subset of the updating that has been performed, since approximately 40 percent of the topic reviews are updated during each four-month cycle.

OUR PATIENT INFORMATION — You can access patient information by clicking on the "For Patients" section in the top toolbar of our web site at www.uptodate.com, or by going directly to www.uptodate.com/patients.

The web site has been designed to help facilitate shared decision making between healthcare providers and patients. The web site offers free access to more than 450 of our patient information topics. Patients can simply enter a search term and see what patient information is available on their topic, or they can view our health topics by category (eg, heart disease).

Hospitals and clinical practices are welcome to link to any of our patient information materials. See our linking instructions at www.uptodate.com/patients/about/policies/linking_policy.html

ADULT PRIMARY CARE AND FAMILY MEDICINE — External otitis, also known as swimmer's ear, affects up to 10 percent of people during their lifetime. We have developed a topic that discusses how it is treated and how it may be prevented.

(See "Patient information: External otitis (including swimmer's ear)".)

DERMATOLOGY — We have updated many of our dermatology topics, and have developed two new topics on common dermatologic problems. (See "Patient information: Impetigo" and "Patient information: Ringworm (tinea infections)".)

ENDOCRINOLOGY — Metabolic syndrome has become more commonly discussed. Recognizing and managing the individual components of this syndrome can decrease morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (See "Patient information: The metabolic syndrome".)

EMERGENCY MEDICINE — We have developed a new topic on nosebleeds that includes detailed instruction about self-management, as well as guidance on when to seek medical advice. (See "Patient information: Nosebleeds (epistaxis)".)

HEMATOLOGY — Von Willebrand disease is a relatively common bleeding disorder that is often discovered incidentally. We have developed a topic for people with newly diagnosed von Willebrand disease that discusses how it is diagnosed and managed. (See "Patient information: von Willebrand disease".)

INFECTIOUS DISEASES — We have developed two new topics about urinary tract infections in adults. These topics discuss common questions, such as the benefit of cranberry juice, ways to prevent bladder infections, and how recurrent bladder infections are managed. (See "Patient information: Bladder infections in adolescents and adults" and "Patient information: Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)".)

NEPHROLOGY — Diabetic nephropathy (eg, kidney disease) is a common and potentially serious complication of diabetes. We have developed a handout for patients that details the importance of monitoring and treating diabetic nephropathy. (See "Patient information: Diabetic kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)".)

NEUROLOGY — We have expanded our discussion of Alzheimer disease to include other forms of dementia. (See "Patient information: Dementia (including Alzheimer disease)".)

We have also developed a new topic on tremor, which explains the most common causes of tremor and provides guidance on when to seek help. (See "Patient information: Tremor".)

PEDIATRICS — We continue to expand our list of topics for pediatrics, and have recently added the following:

(See "Patient information: Toilet training".)

(See "Patient information: Chickenpox prevention and treatment".)

(See "Patient information: Down syndrome".)

WOMEN'S HEALTH — Colposcopy is a commonly performed office procedure to evaluate the cervix and vagina, often following abnormal cervical cytology. This procedure may generates questions, both before and after the appointment. We have developed a patient handout that answers the most frequently asked questions.

(See "Patient information: Colposcopy".)

We have also developed a topic about elective or therapeutic abortion. (See "Patient information: Abortion (pregnancy termination)".)