Cranial ultrasound evaluation in term neonates

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Neurology
• Pediatric Radiology
• Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Term neonates (TN) are typically not screened with cranial ultrasound scans (CUS) due to a perceived low risk of cerebral lesions.
• This study addresses the need to re-evaluate screening protocols for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of cerebral abnormalities in term neonates (TN) using cranial ultrasound scans (CUS).
• To identify clinical indicators associated with abnormal CUS findings in healthy term neonates.
• To refine targeted CUS investigations for neonatal care.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving 1805 healthy term neonates (TN).
• 1181 neonates formed the study cohort with risk factors, while 624 served as controls.
• Cranial ultrasound scans (CUS) were performed, analyzing minimal, minor, and major cerebral abnormal findings.

Main Results:

• Cranial ultrasound scans (CUS) detected variations from normality in 402 (22.27%) of term neonates (TN).
• Minor abnormal findings were present in 9.92% (179 neonates), and major cerebral abnormal findings in approximately 1% of TN.
• The prevalence of abnormal findings varied significantly across different low-risk categories within the term neonate (TN) population.

Conclusions:

• Microcrania, macrocrania, mild neurologic signs, and antenatal ultrasound variations are significant risk factors for cerebral anomalies in term neonates (TN).
• These findings suggest a need for more targeted cranial ultrasound scan (CUS) investigations in specific high-risk term neonate (TN) subgroups.