Point of Care Neurosonogram in Neonates - Utility and Prognostic Value

Abstract

Objective The study aimed to utilize the neurosonographic findings in neonates in early diagnosis, prediction of their long-term outcome, parental counseling, and early intervention. Methods The study was carried out in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Shri BM Patil Medical College and Hospital. All preterms and term babies with neurological clinical findings were included in the study. Neurosonogram was done within first 7 days in preterms and when indicated in terms. Philips HD11XE ultrasound and color Doppler unit were used with a small footprint probe. Color Doppler images for vessels were performed for screening of vascular changes. Results A total of 215 babies were included, of which 80 (32%) were term and the rest were preterm. Mean weight of term babies was 2.8 kg and that of preterm was 1.2 kg.Among term babies, 78% showed ultrasound abnormality, and among preterm, 42%showed abnormalities. Among term babies, 60% and, among preterms, 30% had birth asphyxia. Periventricular leukomalacia was the most common and earliest finding followed by thalamic hyperechogenicity and intracranial hemorrhage. Intraventricular hemorrhage was more common in preterm babies. Other common finding in NICU was meningitis which was more common in pretrms. Among congenital anomalies, corpus callosal agenesis was more common. Conclusions Point of care ultrasonography along with Doppler study is very useful and safe to use in NICUs. It helps in diagnosis, patient management as well as prediction of many short- and long-term outcomes.