Using time series graphs to make causal claims be like

Thank you, Mike!

Introducing a New Polymerase Chain Reaction Panel–Based Cerebrospinal Fluid Evaluation for Encephalitis and Meningitis: Does It Influence Empiric Treatment Duration, Length of Hospital Stay, and Pathogen-Specific Diagnoses? AbstractWe analyzed the impact of a diagnostic meningitis/encephalitis polymerase chain reaction panel. Introducing the test resulted in no significantly shortened empiric antibiotic streptococcal/meningococcal treatment (−1 day [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0–3 days]; P = .16), nor hospitalization (−2 days [95% CI, 0–3 days]; P = .86). Empiric treatment duration against Herpesviridae and Listeria monocytogenes remained unchanged, and pathogen-specific diagnoses were not increased.

📊 No significant change in antibiotic treatment (−1 day, P = .16) or hospitalization (−2 days, P = .86) after introducing the PCR panel. No increase in pathogen-specific diagnoses.

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