Development of Clinical Referral Score Model for Early Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease in Suspected Pediatric Patients

The diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) relies on history, physical examination, and investigations. Some of investigation modalities could not be done in primary hospital. This study was aimed to develop the clinical score model for diagnosing and early referrals of HSCR, especially in areas where investigations were not available. Overall 483 consecutive suspected HSCR patients who were under 15 years old from January 2006 to December 2020 were included in this study, with 207 (42.86%) patients diagnosed with HSCR and 276 (51.14%) patients in the non-HSCR group. Five clinical parameters were included in the prediction model. The AuROC of clinical parameters, which included having an age younger than one month, male gender, the term infant, history of delayed meconium passage, and history of enterocolitis, was 72%. The prediction score ranged from 0-7, with a score 0-3 meaning a low risk to be HSCR (LHR+ = 0.37). We concluded that patients with suspected HSCR who had clinical score 4-7 had a high probability to be HSCR and, thus, it was suggested that these patients have an early referral for further investigations, which were contrast enema and rectal suction biopsy. In the case of a low probability of HSCR, clinical observation is still warranted. This clinical scoring system can be used as a screening tool to prevent delay diagnosis and complications.

Automated summary

The study aimed to develop a clinical score model for diagnosing and early referrals of Hirschsprung's disease, especially in areas where investigations were not available. Patients with a clinical score of 4-7 had a high probability of having HSCR and should undergo further investigations, while those with a low probability still require clinical observation. This clinical scoring system can be used as a screening tool to prevent delayed diagnosis and complications.