Does Head Ultrasound Help Predict Later Impairment in ELBW Infants?

Head ultrasound did not improve prediction of neurodevelopmental impairment compared with prediction based on clinical variables.

For extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g) infants, head ultrasound findings are often factored into decisions about use or withdrawal of life-sustaining support. In a multicenter retrospective study, researchers analyzed the predictive value of head ultrasound results using data from 2103 ELBW infants who survived to a corrected age of 18 to 22 months.

Head ultrasound and clinical data were gathered during the first 28 days of life and again at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age. Statistical modeling was used to determine whether head ultrasound data alone or in combination with clinical data improved the ability to predict neurodevelopmental impairment at a corrected age of 18 to 22 months, compared with the predictive ability of clinical dat…

Reviewing Author

Cornelius W. Van Niel, MD

Disclosures

EquityMedtronic; Express Scripts; Johnson & Johnson; Merck

Cornelius W. Van Niel, MD

Disclosures

EquityMedtronic; Express Scripts; Johnson & Johnson; Merck