Authors:
Moore HC, Lehmann D, de Klerk N, Smith DW, Richmond PC, Keil AD, Blyth CC
Authors notes:
Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. 2013:online
Keywords:
Infectious disease, influenza, pertussis, diagnosis codes, linked data, laboratory
Abstract:
Influenza and pertussis are major causes of pediatric morbidity.
We measured the accuracy of their International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-AM) diagnosis codes using linked population-based laboratory and hospital data in 245,249 children.
Influenza diagnosis codes had high specificity (98.6%) and modest positive predictive value (PPV; 84.1%) and sensitivity (86.1%) for a laboratory-confirmed episode.
For pertussis diagnosis codes, PPV (86.8%) and specificity (98.9%) were high, but sensitivity was poor (27.8%).
Measures varied according to age, remoteness, Aboriginality, severity, and detection method.
Both laboratory and hospitalization data are needed to accurately determine the burden of pediatric influenza and pertussis.