1. Accuracy of the Interpretation of Chest Radiographs for the Diagnosis of Paediatric Pneumonia.
- Author
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Elemraid, Mohamed A., Muller, Michelle, Spencer, David A., Rushton, Stephen P., Gorton, Russell, Thomas, Matthew F., Eastham, Katherine M., Hampton, Fiona, Gennery, Andrew R., and Clark, Julia E.
- Subjects
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PNEUMONIA , *ETIOLOGY of diseases , *MEDICAL radiography , *JUVENILE diseases , *CLINICAL medicine - Abstract
Introduction: World Health Organization (WHO) radiological classification remains an important entry criterion in epidemiological studies of pneumonia in children. We report inter-observer variability in the interpretation of 169 chest radiographs in children suspected of having pneumonia. Methods: An 18-month prospective aetiological study of pneumonia was undertaken in Northern England. Chest radiographs were performed on eligible children aged ≤16 years with clinical features of pneumonia. The initial radiology report was compared with a subsequent assessment by a consultant cardiothoracic radiologist. Chest radiographic changes were categorised according to the WHO classification. Results: There was significant disagreement (22%) between the first and second reports (kappa = 0.70, P<0.001), notably in those aged <5 years (26%, kappa = 0.66, P<0.001). The most frequent sources of disagreement were the reporting of patchy and perihilar changes. Conclusion: This substantial inter-observer variability highlights the need for experts from different countries to create a consensus to review the radiological definition of pneumonia in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
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