The Sweet String: A Study on a New Method for Diagnosing Tuberculosis in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Chow Felicia, Espiritu Nora, Gilman Robert H, Gutierrez Rosmery, Lopez Sonia, Escombe A Roderick, Evans Carlton AW, Moore David AJ
Primary Institution: Asociación Benéfica Proyectos en Informática, Salud, Medicina, y Agricultura (AB PRISMA)
Hypothesis
If well-tolerated by children, the string test might offer a breakthrough in paediatric TB diagnosis.
Conclusion
The string test is well tolerated and achievable for most paediatric TB suspects as young as 4 years.
Supporting Evidence
- 84% of patients were willing to undergo a second procedure.
- Peak discomfort was mild and brief.
- Good concordance of parent/child and objective/subjective ratings.
Takeaway
This study tested a new way to collect samples for tuberculosis diagnosis in kids, and most kids found it easy and were willing to try it again.
Methodology
22 paediatric subjects aged 3–14 years were invited to undergo 2 string tests, with pain and discomfort assessed using subjective and objective scales.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in subjective assessments from parents and nurses.
Limitations
The study did not include children under 3 years of age, who are at higher risk for severe forms of TB.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 8 years, with 55% female; all subjects were undergoing investigation for possible pulmonary tuberculosis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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