Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder, impacting approximately 5.2% of children globally. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of miRNAs in identifying ADHD in pediatric and adolescent populations. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) through May 20th, 2025, with no language limitations. Included studies were those reporting the diagnostic accuracy of miRNAs for ADHD in children under 18 years of age. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the combined estimates of the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for the grouped measurements. RESULTS: Eleven studies published between 2014 and 2024 reporting on miRNAs were retained. The combined results yielded a sensitivity of 0.82 (0.78-0.86), specificity of 0.82 (0.78-0.85), a positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 4.45 (3.63-5.47), a negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of 0.22 (0.17-0.27), a diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 20.48 (13.92-30.15), and an AUC of 0.89 (0.86-0.91). CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis found that miRNAs may serve as diagnostic markers for ADHD in children and adolescents. However, the current included studies remain limited in quantity, with sample sizes likewise constrained. To substantiate this promising potential, future investigations should employ expanded sample cohorts anj01d more rigorously standardized methodologies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://inplasy.com; unique identifier (INPLASY202570060).