A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Preschool wheezing and asthma in children: A systematic review of guidelines and quality appraisal with the AGREE II instrument
Authors: Ruszczyński Marek, Ambrożej Dominika, Adamiec Aleksander, Ryczaj Klaudia, Elenius Varpu, Cavkaytar Ozlem, Maggina Paraskevi, Makrinioti Heidi, Papadopoulos Nikolaos, Hedlin Gunilla, Konradsen Jon R., Schaub Bianca, Smits Hermelijn H., Jartti Tuomas, Feleszko Wojciech
Publisher: WILEY
Publication year: 2021
Journal: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
Journal name in source: PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
Journal acronym: PEDIAT ALLERG IMM-UK
Volume: 32
Issue: 1
First page : 92
Last page: 105
Number of pages: 14
ISSN: 0905-6157
eISSN: 1399-3038
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.13334
Self-archived copy’s web address: http://jultika.oulu.fi/files/nbnfi-fe202102013403.pdf
Background Asthma-like symptoms in preschool children, such as wheezing and dyspnea, are common time- and resource-consuming diagnostic and management challenges. Quality of wheezing and asthma recommendations varies. The purpose of this study, carried out by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Task Force for Preschool Wheeze, was to systematically review and assess the quality of guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of preschool wheezing and/or asthma. Methods The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched until June 2018. The methodological rigor, quality, and transparency of relevant guidelines were assessed with the use of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool. Results We identified 26 guidelines. The quality scores for each domain varied. Of all domains, clarity and presentation had the highest mean score, whereas applicability and stakeholder involvement had the lowest. The scores (median) for individual domains were as follows: score and purpose 86%; stakeholder involvement 49%; rigor of development 54%; clarity of presentation 85%; applicability 51%; and editorial independence 63%. Conclusion Although several guidelines on asthma management in children are available, however, their quality varies. Additionally, there is a considerable gap in reliable recommendations on the management and treatment of non-asthmatic preschool wheeze.
