<p>Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are among the most common reasons for antibiotic prescriptions globally, despite the majority being viral and self-limiting. Because clinical signs alone are often insufficient, there is a clear need for rapid diagnostic methods to support evidence-based prescribing. We assessed the effectiveness of point-of-care C-reactive protein (POCT-CRP) testing devices for distinguishing between bacterial and viral ARTIs. Our search of five databases produced 413 studies, of which 29 met criteria, and six were included in the meta-analysis. The devices with adequate performance data were QuikRead CRP, NycoCard Reader II, and FebriDx®. Overall pooled sensitivity 70% (95% CI 52–83%) and specificity 86% (95% CI 80–91%). The FebriDx showed a pooled sensitivity of 84% (95% CI 76–90%) and specificity of 87% (95% CI 82–91%). The QuikRead showed a pooled sensitivity of 35% (95% CI 30–40%) and specificity of 86% (95% CI 82–89%). The NycoCard Reader II showed a pooled sensitivity of 54% (95% CI 21–83%) and specificity of 86% (95% CI 59–96%). Although POCT-CRP testing is useful in distinguishing between bacterial and viral ARTIs and is critical for antibiotic prescription, further evidence, including cost-effectiveness analysis, is needed to determine whether the implementation of POCT-CRP improves value or merely raises healthcare expenses.</p>

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A systematic review and meta-analysis on diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care C-reactive protein devices for acute respiratory tract infections

  • Rakesh Kumar Sahoo,
  • Krushna Chandra Sahoo,
  • Oshima Sachin,
  • Abhinav Sinha,
  • Shubharanjan Jena,
  • Abhisek Jena,
  • Debdutta Bhattacharya,
  • Sanghamitra Pati

摘要

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are among the most common reasons for antibiotic prescriptions globally, despite the majority being viral and self-limiting. Because clinical signs alone are often insufficient, there is a clear need for rapid diagnostic methods to support evidence-based prescribing. We assessed the effectiveness of point-of-care C-reactive protein (POCT-CRP) testing devices for distinguishing between bacterial and viral ARTIs. Our search of five databases produced 413 studies, of which 29 met criteria, and six were included in the meta-analysis. The devices with adequate performance data were QuikRead CRP, NycoCard Reader II, and FebriDx®. Overall pooled sensitivity 70% (95% CI 52–83%) and specificity 86% (95% CI 80–91%). The FebriDx showed a pooled sensitivity of 84% (95% CI 76–90%) and specificity of 87% (95% CI 82–91%). The QuikRead showed a pooled sensitivity of 35% (95% CI 30–40%) and specificity of 86% (95% CI 82–89%). The NycoCard Reader II showed a pooled sensitivity of 54% (95% CI 21–83%) and specificity of 86% (95% CI 59–96%). Although POCT-CRP testing is useful in distinguishing between bacterial and viral ARTIs and is critical for antibiotic prescription, further evidence, including cost-effectiveness analysis, is needed to determine whether the implementation of POCT-CRP improves value or merely raises healthcare expenses.