Systematic Identification and Critical Appraisal of Pediatric COVID-19 Guidelines Applicable in India

ABSTRACT

Objective To systematically identify and critically appraise the methodological quality of pediatric guidelines applicable to management of COVID-19 in India. Methods Pediatric COVID-19 guidelines applicable to India, published until 30 April 2021, were identifed through a systematic search across ten databases. Each was critically appraised for methodological quality using the AGREE-II tool, by at least two appraisers. Median (interquartile range) of the total score and domain-wise scores were calculated, and compared for Indian vs. foreign guidelines, updated vs. original versions of guidelines, and those developed earlier vs. later in the pandemic. Results A total of 62 guidelines was identifed. Only 8 (12.9%) were published in India. The overall AGREE-II score ranged from 4.7% to 72.8%; with median (IQR) 37.9% (29.4, 48.6). This suggested overall low(er) methodological quality. The median (IQR) domain-wise scores were as follows Scope and Purpose 66.7% (58.3, 83.3), Stakeholder Involvement 41.7% (30.6, 83.3), Rigor of Development 23.4% (14.8, 37.5), Clarity of Presentation 59.7% (50.0, 75.0), Applicability 27.1% (18.8, 33.3), and Editorial Independence 8.3% (0.0, 45.8). This suggested diversity in quality of diferent aspects of the guidelines, with very low quality in the critical domain of methodological rigor. There were no statistically signifcant diferences in the overall scores of Indian vs. foreign guidelines, updated versions vs. original versions, and those developed earlier vs. later in the pandemic. Conclusion The currently available pediatric COVID-19 guidelines have low methodological quality, adversely afecting their credibility, validity, and applicability. Urgent corrective strategies are presented for consideration.