DIAGNOSTIC MANAGEMENT OF SORE THROAT IN CHILDREN: TWO EXAMPLES

Key words: Pharyngitis, Rapid antigen detection test (RAD), Group A ß-hemolitic streptococci, McIsaac score

Approximately 8% of visits in our practice regards sore throat. Group A ß-hemolitic streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis is diagnosed from 20-30% of cases up to 50% in the high streptococcal epidemiology time. Clinical examination is of limited value in the diagnosis of GABHS pharyngitis, but the McIsaac scoring system has been shown to be sufficiently reliable in some cases. Rapid antigen detection tests (RAD) for GABHS have been available for over 20 years. Increasing sensitivity of these tests has made the diagnosis of GABHS more straightforward, but at the same time more contentious by questioning whether to perform it or not. Epidemiology, clinical evaluation with McIsaac score and RAD test are perhaps the best mix for the diagnostic management of pharyngitis in children.