title: Commentary on JAMA article by Hujoel et al.
abstract: A recent publication by in the April 28, 2004, issue of JAMA raises concern since it suggests that exposure to dental x rays during pregnancy could be responsible for human fetal growth retardation. Furthermore, the article could have a negative impact on the dental care of pregnant women who might fear the effect of dental radiography on their developing embryo. In our initial discussions, John Boice and I decided to communicate our concerns to the scientific and medical community. Boice has published a recent letter concerning the Hujoel paper. The Hujoel publication has very serious deficiencies. This Forum presents analyses of these deficiencies.
authors.affiliation: A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, PO Box 269, Wilmington, DE 19899, USA. rbrent@nemours.org
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Brent
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D018811:Maternal Exposure; D011247:Pregnancy; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity