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ADR Yönetimi

TELEMEDICINE İN PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY: THE VIDEO PEDIATRIC GAIT, ARMS, LEGS, AND SPINE (V-PGALS)

ZEYNEP BALIK, SEHER ŞENER, YAĞMUR BAYINDIR, MÜŞERREF KASAP CÜCEOĞLU, EMİL ALİYEV, ÖZGE BAŞARAN, YELDA BİLGİNER, SEZA ÖZEN, EZGİ DENİZ BATU

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences - 2024;54(5):963-969

Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkiye

 

Background/aim: Video pediatric gait, arms, leg, and spine (v-pGALS) is a virtual application of the pediatric gait, arms, leg, and spine (pGALS) examination performed by video. We aimed to verify the applicability, validity, and accuracy of the Turkish translation of v-pGALS in a large pediatric patient cohort. Materials and methods: Children aged 4–18 years seen between May and June 2022 were included. A hands-on physical examination and v-pGALS were performed. Demographics, active symptoms, physical examination findings, diagnosis, and v-pGALS findings were recorded. The acceptability of v-pGALS, in terms of additional distress and duration, was measured by the parent/patient using a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: 102 patients (median age 12.41 years) were included. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was the most common diagnosis. The median duration of v-pGALS was 7 min. An abnormal v-pGALS was identified in 25 patients while the hands-on physical examination was abnormal in 27 patients. Scoliosis and pes planus were missed in v-pGALS. Both children and parents gave a median VAS score of 0 for additional discomfort and duration. That is, the duration of v-pGALS was acceptable for ≥98% of the patients/parents, and ≥98% mentioned that it caused little/no discomfort. The sensitivity and specificity of v-pGALS were 92.6% and 100%, respectively, for the detection of musculoskeletal (MSK) abnormalities. Conclusion: The v-pGALS is an applicable, accurate, and practical tool for evaluating MSK problems in children. The Turkish translation was also conveniently acceptable.