Guidelines for reporting diagnostic accuracy studies of Siddha anthropometric tool Manikkadai Nool

Abstract

Background: Manikkadai-Nool (MK) is an ancient Siddha treatise of Anthropometric based predictions very much acclaimed for its diagnostic value in clinical practice. A well-set protocol is lacking for the methodology, limiting its expected outcome of predictive values. Moreover, the systematic approach of case reporting pertaining to its diagnostic accuracy studies (DAS) is showing many pitfalls. This purposes the induction of guidelines particular to MK that covers the entire aspects of case reporting. Materials and Methods: Available case reporting guidelines for Diagnostic studies (STARD guidelines) were overlooked to develop the core elements for DAS with 9 sections including 24 items. Discussion: The enlisted 24 items of Siddha Anthropometric Tool (SAT) guidelines have been depicted with examples that enable physicians and researchers to accomplish clinical reporting based on MK with much ease and accuracy. The guidelines may help peer reviewers for evaluating the concerning studies. Conclusion: SAT guidelines improve the quality of studies pertaining to MK that imprints the lead for further scientific acceptance. Further periodical up-gradation is warranted.

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“…One of the previous studies recognized MK's scope in identifying progressing FB patterns in inpatients. The progression is noted by the change in FB readings in the same patient, and they clinically present the symptoms of consecutive advancement in FB measure 6 . In the present study, fifteen cases (12.93 %) had positive symptoms from multiple reading descriptions.…”

“…The most common error is the diagnostic error, i.e., due to inadequate knowledge, faulty reading and data gathering or interpretation 5 . Tool errors occur due to using inappropriate thread for measurement 6 . Standardization of common protocol for precise measuring and reading has been tried in a few of the earlier studies 6,7 .…”

“…Tool errors occur due to using inappropriate thread for measurement 6 . Standardization of common protocol for precise measuring and reading has been tried in a few of the earlier studies 6,7 .…”

“…The Anthropometric significance of the tool correlated with other variables like Body mass index (BMI), finger breadths (FB) and Antebrachial circumference (ABC), is vaguely understood 8 . Many of the previous studies on MK were based on its clinical outcome in predicting diseases mentioned in specific FB signs.…”