Evaluation of the Use of the Mistik Score and Modified Centor Score in Sore Throat

Objective: There are various clinical scoring systems in acute tonsillopharyngitis. The Modified Centor Score was developed to predict streptococcal pharyngitis and the Mistik score was developed to diagnose viral agents. This study aimed to determine cut-off values of the Modified Centor Score and Mistik score according to rapid antigen detection test (RADT) results of patients admitted with sore throat in the primary care and evaluate the use of these scoring systems by family physicians. Methods: A total of 125 patients between the ages of 3 and 80 who were admitted with sore throat to the family health centers were included in the study. Physical examinations of the patients were performed and their Mistik and Modified Centor Scores were detected. Patients underwent RADT. Treatments of the patients were recorded. In the second stage of the study, patients underwent clinical scoring and the physicians completed a questionnaire to evaluate the use of the Mistik Score, Modified Centor Score and RADT. Results: The optimal cut-off value for the Modified Centor Score was 3, sensitivity was 87.5%, specificity was 86.2%, positive predictive value was 48.3% and negative predictive value was 97.9%. The optimal cut-off value for Mistik score was 3, sensitivity was 61%, specificity was 87.5%, positive predictive value was 97% and negative predictive value was 25%. Of the physicians, 75% used clinical scoring during routine examination and the most common scoring system used was the Modified Centor Score (88.9%). Of the physicians, 75% used clinical scoring before the decision of RADT. Conclusion: The use of clinical scoring systems such as the Mistik Score and Modified Centor Score will primarily allow RADT be used in the appropriate patient for sore throat that is very common in daily family practice. In addition, it will help family physicians decide on the best treatment options for tonsillopharyngitis. Therefore, we recommend the use of clinical scoring systems especially the Mistik Score, which is a viral scoring system.