[Ultrasound screening of newborn infants. Uses and role in routine diagnosis]

The results of sonographic brain, renal and hip studies in 3396 clinically healthy, consecutive newborns during two and a half years are correlated to various anamnestic, clinical and ultrasound data. In the nearly sex-matched babies there were 4.2% anomalous brain studies, 4.4% renal studies followed by further diagnostic and therapeutic steps, and 7.4% right-sided and 9.7 left-sided hip dysplasias. A statistically significant dependence of neurosonographic findings from the delivery mode and a significant amount of renal abnormalities in turkish babies and infants of other nationalities were remarkable. The ultrasound hip studies confirmed the significantly higher rate of left-sided hip dysplasias in baby girls found in other studies. 80% of the initially diagnosed hip dysplasias type IIa according to Graf matured within the first six weeks of life. After six weeks there remained 4.2% hip dysplasias type IIg to type IV (luxation) which were treated. Breech-delivered infants, especially if manually handled, had delayed hip maturation. In turkish babies we found relatively more normal hip exams. Hip symptoms clinically proved correlated significantly with pathologic ultrasound hip studies. Statistically proved correlations between initially measured and follow-up alpha- angles provide the possibility to prognose the hip maturation using a regression-equation. Whereas the value of an ultrasound brain-screening is still in discussion, the authors believe that the introduction of a general ultrasound-screening of the urinary system and hips is mandatory.