| Background: The role of atopy patch test(APT)in the diagnosis of food allergy(FA)remains largely controversial.In our meta-analysis,we aim to evaluate the accuracy of APT for diagnosing FA in children.Methods: Pubmed,Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for studies regarding the diagnostic value of APT for FA in children compared to oral food challenge(OFC).The last search was conducted on November 11,2017.Two reviewers independently screened relevant studies and assessed the quality by QUADAS-2.Meta‐analysis was performed in Meta‐disc version 1.4 to calculate the pooled sensitivity,specificity,PLR(positive likelihood ratio),NLR(negative likelihood ratio),DOR(diagnostic odds ratio)with their 95% confidence intervals(CIs).In the meantime,the AUC(area under the curve)of SROC(summary receiver operating characteristic curve)was also calculated.Results: Forty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis.The pooled sensitivity,specificity,PLR,NLR and DOR were 50.30%(95% CI 48.40%-52.30%),86.60%(95% CI 85.30%-87.80%),3.405(95% CI 2.594-4.470),0.545(95% CI 0.469-0.634)and 7.528(95% CI 5.507-11.206),respectively.However,for children with FA-related gastrointestinal symptoms,the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 57.40%(95% CI 52.10%-62.50%)and 91.50%(95% CI 88.30%-94.10%)respectively.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that APT is specific but not sensitive for diagnosing FA in children,especially in children with FA-related gastrointestinal symptoms. |
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