Validation of a clinical rule to predict complications of acute cough in preschool children: a prospective study in primary care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Few clinical rules have been derived let alone validated in primary care. A rule was derived to predict complications of acute cough in preschool children presenting to primary care. The clinical rule used the presence/absence of fever and/or chest signs to distinguish children at low, medium, and high risk of complications.

Aim

To validate a clinical rule for predicting complications of acute cough in preschool children in primary care.

Design of study

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Thirteen general practices in Bristol and Tayside, UK.

Method

Preschool children with cough up to 28 days and without asthma were recruited. The same sociodemographic, clinical history, examination, and complications data as for the derivation study were collec

SUBMITTER: Hay AD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2099635 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature