Diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy for detection of malignancy in pediatric thyroid nodules: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Discussion This meta-analysis will determine the diagnostic accuracy of FNAB for detection of malignancy in pediatric thyroid nodules and explore whether heterogeneity observed across studies may be explained by variations in patient population, FNAB technique or interpretation, and/or study-level risks of bias. This will be the first study to determine the accuracy of Bethesda cytological classification levels of FNAB (benign, atypical, follicular, suspicious, malignant). We expect that our results will help in guiding clinical decision-making in children with thyroid nodules. Systematic review registration PROSPERO No. CRD42014007140
Source: Systematic Reviews - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research