Ultrasound in preschool children – a survey

Abstract

Ultrasound examination, as a non-invasive and safe procedure which does not require premedication, is increasingly commonly used by paediatricians. Special focus is placed on its use in early detection of cancer in children. The aim of this study was to determine how frequently and for what reason paediatricians ordered ultrasound examination as well as the outcome of the procedure. The study team conducted an anonymous survey among the parents of children attending kindergartens in the districts of Ochota and Mokotów in the capital of Poland, Warsaw. Questionnaires obtained from the parents of 336 preschool children aged 3–6 years were included in the study. By the date of the survey over 27% of children had not had any ultrasound examination and 32.44% had only one. More than half of the children (52.38%) were referred to ultrasound by a paediatrician during an office or home visit. The most common reason for the first ultrasound examination was check-up of a healthy child with no previous pathologies in a given area (41.04%). The most common location of the first ultrasound scan indicated by the respondents was the abdominal cavity (56.18%). For 254 ultrasound scans, 38 cases (14.96%) required further diagnostic investigation, specialist consultation or hospitalisation. 2.05% of scans revealed a suspected cancer lesion and 3.64% showed a congenital defect. By the date of the survey 27.16% of children had undergone other types of diagnostic imaging. 77.74% of parents would like their child to undergo annual preventative ultrasound scans. It is worth noting that it is increasingly more common for paediatricians to order ultrasound examination for healthy children as well, as a check-up. Increased parents’ awareness has also been observed.

Keywords

• sonography
• prevention and check-up
• cancer
• congenital defects