Abstract
Background Four scoring methods exist to assess severity of fecal loading on plain abdominal radiographs in constipated patients (Barr-, Starreveld-, Blethyn- and Leech). So far, the Starreveld score was used only in adult patients. Objective To determine accuracy and intra- and inter-observer agreement of the Starreveld scoringmethod in the diagnosis of functional constipation among pediatric patients. In addition, we compared the Starreveld with the Barr scoring method. Materials and methods Thirty-four constipated and 34 non-constipated children were included. Abdominal radiographs, obtained before treatment, were rated (Starreveld- and Barr) by 4 observers. A second observation after 4 weeks was done by 3 observers. Cut-off level for the Starreveld score, accuracy as measured by the area under the receiver operator characteristics curve, and inter- and intra-observer agreement were calculated. Results Cut-off value for the Starreveld score was 10. AUC for Starreveld score was 0.54 and for Barr score 0.38, indicating poor discriminating power. Inter-observer agreement was 0.49-0.52 4 (Starreveld) and 0.44 (Barr), which is considered moderate. Intra-observer agreement was 0.52- 0.71 (Starreveld) and 0.62- 0.76 (Barr). Conclusion The Starreveld scoring method to assess fecal loading on a plain abdominal radiograph is of limited value in the diagnosis of childhood constipation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1789-1793 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Pediatric Radiology |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2010 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Abdominal radiograph
- Child
- Constipation
- Scoring