Diagnostic accuracy of clinical diagnostic scoring systems for childhood tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis (TB) poses several challenges. Therefore, clinical signs and symptoms, radiological studies, laboratory examinations, point-based scoring systems or diagnostic algorithms have been developed to improve diagnostic yields in this population. However, there are limited data on the diagnostic test accuracy of paediatric TB scoring systems. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesise the available evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of childhood TB diagnostic scoring systems. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol describes a systematic review, developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. We will conduct a comprehensive literature search for relevant articles in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Databases. The eligibility criteria for studies will be formulated based on the Participants (Population), Index Test, Comparator Test and Target Condition criteria for the review question. The index test will be defined as any attempt to diagnose childhood TB using either a scoring system or a diagnostic algorithm, whereas a composite reference standard will be used as a reference standard. This will include any attempt to confirm diagnosis of TB. Where bacteriological confirmation is not obtained and there are at least two of the following features: chest radiograph consistent with TB, immunological evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and/or positive response to TB treatment will also be considered. The QUADAS-2 Tool will be used to assess the quality of the studies. The diagnostic accuracy measures (ie, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive and positive predictive values) will be pooled with the random-effects or fixed-effects models, as appropriate. All statistical analyses will be performed using the Review Manager V.5.4. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This research is exempt from ethics approval given that this is a protocol for a systematic review, which uses published data. The findings from this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022367049.