JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
-
Approximately 10 million cars with automatic shoulder belt systems are currently in use in the United States. However, reports on the effectiveness of such restraints have yielded conflicting results. ⋯ These data indicate that improperly used automatic restraint systems may be less effective than properly used systems and are associated with an increased risk of serious chest and abdominal injuries. Given the continued widespread use of these automatic systems, educational programs may be warranted. JAMA. 2000;283:2826-2828
-
Enterovirus (EV) infection, the most common cause of aseptic meningitis, can be rapidly diagnosed with an EV-specific reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (EV-PCR) test. However, no studies have examined EV-PCR in a clinical context in which it is routinely used. ⋯ Our results suggest that a positive EV-PCR result may affect clinical decision making and can promote rapid discharge of patients, and that unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions can be reduced by use of EV-PCR testing. JAMA. 2000;283:2680-2685.