Accuracy of ultrasonography in predicting vesicoureteral reflux in children: A meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the existing evidence on the accuracy of renal and bladder ultrasonography in predicting vesicoureteral reflux in children with first urinary tract infection.


METHODS
The CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science data sources were searched. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted.


RESULTS
Fourteen studies, involving 3544 participants, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias and concern regarding applicability were considered high in four studies. The pooled sensitivity was 0.37 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34 to 0.40], specificity 0.81 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.83), positive likelihood ratio 2.0 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.50), negative likelihood ratio 0.75 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.86), diagnostic odds ratio 3.03 (95% CI 2.10 to 4.37) and area under the curve 0.72.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence that renal and bladder ultrasonography should be recommended as a test to predict a vesicoureteral reflux in children with their first urinary tract infection.
a Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine , Turku University Hospital and University of Turku , Turku , Finland ;
Mikhail
M
Saltychev
b Faculty of Medicine , University of Turku , Turku , Finland ;
Marko Tapani
MT
Ristola
a Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine , Turku University Hospital and University of Turku , Turku , Finland ;
Katri
K
Laimi
c Department of Pediatric Surgery , Turku University Hospital and University of Turku , Turku , Finland.
Timo
T
Hurme
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections; D014718:Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
Accuracy; cystourethrography; meta-analysis; ultrasonography; urinary tract infection; vesicoureteral reflux