Commentary – ordering lab tests for suspected rheumatic disease
2008
Limited Use of Lab Tests for Children's Rheumatic Disease
Commentary
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Jarvis James N
Primary Institution: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Common laboratory tests for rheumatic diseases in children may not be useful.
Conclusion
The study suggests that tests like ANA and RF have limited diagnostic value in children with suspected rheumatic diseases.
Supporting Evidence
- Children with positive RF tests often do not have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
- ANA tests are commonly positive in healthy children and do not predict rheumatic disease.
- Most children with JRA/JIA do not have positive RF tests.
Takeaway
Doctors shouldn't rely on certain blood tests to diagnose joint pain in kids because they often don't help. Instead, they should focus on examining the child and asking questions.
Methodology
This is a review of existing literature on the utility of ANA and RF tests in pediatric rheumatology.
Limitations
The commentary does not provide new data but summarizes existing findings.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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