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State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
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Cranial Ultrasound Screening Protocols for Very Preterm Infants
Glenda McLean1, Atul Malhotra2, Paul Lombardo3
1Diagnostic Imaging Department, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
|April 25, 2021
Summary
Optimal timing for cranial ultrasounds in very preterm neonates remains unclear. While an initial scan within the first week is standard, later scan timing and frequency lack consensus, necessitating further research.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cranial ultrasound (cUS) is standard for very preterm neonates (born before 32 weeks gestation).
- Current protocols for the timing of cUS examinations lack widespread agreement.
- Early detection and monitoring of brain injuries in this vulnerable population are critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze existing screening protocols for the timing of cUS in very preterm neonates.
- To identify consensus and variability in recommended cUS schedules.
- To highlight the need for evidence-based guidelines on optimal cUS timing.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search for published cUS screening protocols.
- Inclusion of 18 relevant articles in the final review.
- Analysis of recommended timing for initial, sequential, and final cUS examinations.
Main Results:
- A universal recommendation for at least one cUS within the first postnatal week.
- Significant variability in the timing of the "late" or final cUS (e.g., 6 weeks, term-equivalent age, discharge).
- No consensus on the optimal frequency (weekly vs. fortnightly) for sequential ultrasounds after the first week.
Conclusions:
- Current cUS timing protocols for very preterm neonates are inconsistent.
- Further research is essential to establish an optimal cUS protocol.
- An optimized protocol could improve the detection and monitoring of neonatal brain injuries.
