Test characteristics of examination signs to detect 5% dehydration in children (age range 2 wks to 15 y)*
| Examination signs | Number of studies (n) | Sensitivity (95% CI) | Specificity (CI) | +LR | −LR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *LR = likelihood ratio; other abbreviations defined in glossary. Sensitivity, specificity, +LR, and −LR were calculated from data in article using a random effects model. | |||||
| Prolonged capillary refill | 4 (478) | 60% (29 to 91) | 85% (72 to 98) | 4.0 | 0.47 |
| Abnormal skin turgor | 5 (602) | 58% (40 to 75) | 76% (59 to 93) | 2.42 | 0.55 |
| Abnormal respiratory pattern | 4 (581) | 43% (31 to 55) | 79% (72 to 86) | 2.05 | 0.72 |
| Dry mucous membranes | 4 (533) | 86% (80 to 92) | 44% (13 to 74) | 1.54 | 0.32 |
| Sunken eyes | 4 (533) | 75% (62 to 88) | 52% (22 to 81) | 1.56 | 0.48 |
| Poor overall appearance | 3 (398) | 80% (57 to 104) | 45% (−10 to 102) | 1.45 | 0.44 |
