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Short- and long-term risks after exposure to diagnostic ultrasound in utero
Insights
Diagnostic ultrasound exposure in children showed no significant adverse effects at birth or during developmental years. This study followed 425 exposed children and 381 controls, finding no biologically significant differences in health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Diagnostic ultrasound is a widely used imaging technique.
- Long-term effects of prenatal diagnostic ultrasound exposure require continued investigation.
- Assessing developmental outcomes in children exposed to diagnostic ultrasound is crucial for safety evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate potential adverse effects of diagnostic ultrasound exposure in children.
- To compare health and developmental outcomes between children exposed to diagnostic ultrasound and a matched control group.
- To assess long-term impacts from birth through childhood (7-12 years).
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 425 children exposed to diagnostic ultrasound and 381 matched controls.
- Data collection included measurements at birth (Apgar scores, gestational age, physical measurements, infection status) and at 7-12 years of age (hearing, vision, cognitive function, behavior, neurological examination).
- Statistical analysis focused on identifying biologically significant differences between exposed and unexposed groups.
Main Results:
- No biologically significant differences were observed between the diagnostic ultrasound-exposed group and the control group at birth.
- Comprehensive examinations at 7-12 years of age revealed no significant adverse effects in exposed children compared to controls.
- Key developmental and health indicators remained comparable across both groups.
Conclusions:
- Diagnostic ultrasound exposure in the studied cohort did not result in identifiable adverse biological effects.
- The findings support the safety of diagnostic ultrasound use during pregnancy.
- Further long-term research may be warranted to confirm these outcomes across diverse populations.
Abstract:
A total of 425 children exposed to diagnostic ultrasound at three Denver hospitals during the period May, 1968, through August, 1972, and 381 matched control children were studied for adverse effects at birth and again at a special examination between seven and 12 years of age. Apgar scores, gestational age, head circumference, birth weight, length, congenital abnormalities, neonatal infection, and congenital infection were measured at birth. At seven to 12 years of age, measurements included conductive and nerve measurements of hearing, visual acuity and color vision, cognitive function, behavior, and a complete and detailed neurologic examination. No biologically significant differences between exposed and unexposed children were found.