Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test for Children (CARATKids)

Publication date: Available online 31 March 2017
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Author(s): Rita Amaral, Ana C. Carneiro, Gustavo Wandalsen, João A. Fonseca, Dirceu Sole
BackgroundThe Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test for Children (CARATKids) assesses asthma and allergic rhinitis control in children younger than 12 years.ObjectiveTo validate the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CARATKids and to define the cutoff values for identifying uncontrolled disease.MethodsChildren aged 6 to 12 years with asthma and allergic rhinitis were studied (n = 102). CARATKids, childhood Asthma Control Test (cACT), total nasal symptom score (TNSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were obtained at baseline and after 4 to 6 weeks. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, responsiveness, and validity of the Brazilian CARATKids were assessed according to the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurements Instruments checklist. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was evaluated using distribution and anchor methods. Spearman correlations were used to compare CARATKids scores with external measures of control. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to establish cutoff values.ResultsFifty children completed both visits. The Cronbach α and intraclass correlation coefficient of CARATKids were 0.81 and 0.85, respectively. The Guyatt responsiveness index was −1.34, and within-patient change in clinically unstable patients (n = 31) was significant (P = .02). As for cross-sectional and longitudinal validity, correlation coefficients ranged from 0.58 to 0.77 (P < .001) and 0.30 to 0.57 (P < .05), respectively. The estimated MCID for CARATKids was 3. The optimal cutoffs (sensitivity and specificity) to exclude uncontrolled and controlled disease were 3 or less (97% and 67%) and 6 or greater (56% and 96%), respectively.ConclusionCARATKids is a reliable and valid tool to assess asthma and allergic rhinitis control in Brazilian children. A score of 6 or higher on CARATKids identifies uncontrolled disease, and a score of 3 or lower excludes poor disease control.



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