Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Diagnostic Scoring Systems for Childhood Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Loading...
Date
2023-12-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
Background. Diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis (TB) poses several challenges. Therefore, point-based scoring systems and
diagnostic algorithms have been developed to improve the diagnostic yields in this population. However, there are no updated
systematic reviews of the existing childhood TB scoring systems and algorithms. Hence, we systematically reviewed the
diagnostic accuracy of the childhood TB diagnostic scoring systems and algorithms.
Methods. We systematically searched PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for relevant articles
published until 30 March 2023. QUADAS-2 was used to assess their study quality. Diagnostic accuracy measures (ie, sensitivity,
specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, positive and negative likelihood ratios) were pooled using a random-effects model.
Results. We included 15 eligible studies, with a total of 7327 study participants aged <15 years, with 10 evaluations of childhood
TB diagnostic scoring systems and algorithms. Among these algorithms and scoring systems, only 3 were evaluated more than once.
These were the Keith Edwards scoring system with 5 studies (sensitivity, 81.9%; specificity, 81.2%), Kenneth Jones criteria with 3
studies (sensitivity, 80.1%; specificity, 45.7%), and the Ministry of Health–Brazil algorithm with 3 studies (sensitivity, 79.9%;
specificity, 73.2%).
Conclusions. We recommend using the Keith Edwards scoring system because of its high sensitivity and specificity. Further
research is necessary to assess the effectiveness of scoring systems and algorithms in identifying TB in children with HIV and
malnutrition.
Description
Keywords
diagnostic scoring system, diagnostic test accuracy, pediatric TB.
Citation
Kakinda, M., Olum, R., Baluku, J. B., & Bongomin, F. (2024, January). Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Diagnostic Scoring Systems for Childhood Tuberculosi Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. In Open Forum Infectious Diseases (Vol. 11, No. 1, p. ofad624). US: Oxford University Press.