Bicycle-related injuries among children and adolescents in the United States.

The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiology of bicycle-related injuries among children and adolescents 18 years and younger on a national level. This is a retrospective analysis of data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission for patients 18 years and younger who were seen in emergency departments (EDs) between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2005, for injuries received while operating a bicycle. During the 16-year study period, there were an estimated 6 228 700 individuals 18 years and younger treated in US EDs for bicycle-related injuries.

Formal psychological testing in patients with paradoxical vocal fold dysfunction.

Objective: The etiology of paradoxical vocal fold dysfunction (PVFD) has been unclear, but it has long been hypothesized that there is a significant psychological component. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the psychological profiles of patients newly diagnosed with PVFD using psychometrically-sound psychological assessment instruments.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study of 45 adults newly diagnosed with PVFD at a tertiary university referral center.

Factors associated with hospital length of stay and hospital charges of motor vehicle crash related hospitalizations among children in the United States.

Objectives: To calculate national estimates of motor vehicle crash (MVC)-related hospitalization and associated use of health care resources among patients 20 years and younger and to explore the effects of certain sociodemographic and health care system-related factors and injury severity on use of hospital resources and lengths of stay (LOSs) in the United States.

Design: Data from the 2003 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database were used.

Setting: Pediatric inpatient care in 3438 hospitals in 36 US states.