Cranial Ultrasound Study Among Preterm Neonates Admitted in NICU in a Tertiary Care Hospital and Its Correlation with Perinatal Risk Factors
Nisha J. Patil, Kiran Bhaisare, Shivprasad MundadaAbstract
Background:
Prematurity is a major global cause of neonatal mortality and long-term disabilities. Preterm neonates are highly vulnerable to neurological injuries, which can be effectively detected by cranial ultrasonography (CUS). Understanding the correlation between CUS findings and perinatal risk factors is crucial for improving neonatal outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of cranial ultrasound abnormalities and their association with perinatal risk factors in preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in a tertiary healthcare center.
Methods:
A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 2 years, including 100 preterm neonates who underwent CUS within the first week of life. Maternal and neonatal data were collected, and CUS images were interpreted by independent radiologists. Statistical analysis was performed to assess associations between perinatal risk factors and CUS findings.
Results:
Among 100 preterm neonates, most were born at 33–37 weeks (55%) and had a birth weight of 2–2.5 kg (50%). Germinal matrix hemorrhage (27%) and periventricular hyper-echogenicity (22%) were the most common CUS abnormalities. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (23%) and anemia (17%) were the common maternal risk factors, whereas birth asphyxia (17%) and respiratory distress (15%) were the frequent neonatal complications. Birth weight showed a significant association with neonatal outcome (
Conclusions:
Lower birth weight was significantly associated with increased neonatal mortality, whereas CUS findings were not directly related to mortality. Early identification and management of perinatal risk factors are essential to improve survival and neurological outcomes among preterm neonates.