Pediatric ultrasound: what it is. Types of ultrasound examinations

Ultrasound examination is a safe, painless and accurate diagnostic technique widely distributed in pediatric practice. Compared to other examination techniques, pediatric ultrasound is not expensive. Ultrasound gives the possibility to control normal development of a child’s body and notice the slightest disorders in its functioning. Both a pediatric physician and other subject matter expert can refer a patient to the examination.

It is possible to prescribe an ultrasound for a baby already from birth. The most requested types of the examinations, such as ultrasound of thyroid, heart, lymph nodes, joints, salivary glands and soft tissues, do not require special preparation.

Brain examination allows for assessing of the general condition of the child's brain. Ultrasound of the head of a newborn baby (neurosonography) is the most efficient when the fontanel is open. Indications for the examinations are premature delivery, intrauterine hypoxia, presence of the symptoms of neurological diseases development and suspected infection of a fetus.

Heart ultrasound is one of the most important examinations for detection of congenital malformation of the organ. Besides, the technique gives a specialist the possibility to study the structure of the heart and its functioning in real time. Heart ultrasound of a child can be performed in a maternity clinic.

Examination of abdominal organs is performed on a scheduled basis for the children under three months of age. Ultrasound is aimed to exclude congenital malformations and functional disorders, and also to provide a doctor with the complete information on the condition of the organs.

Hip joint ultrasound of newborn babies is performed in case of suspected hip dysplasia, dislocations and incomplete dislocations. All the children under one year of age have to undergo this examination on a scheduled basis.

Ultrasound of thymus and small pelvic organs is not mandatory. It is recommended only when there are disorders of functioning of the immune system and congenital developmental malformations.

Other types of ultrasound examinations are prescribed for children if required.

• Stomach ultrasound is performed strictly on an empty stomach. Infants are exclusions, because they undergo the examination three hours after a feeding, if you need to exclude pyloristenosis – 20–25 minutes after the feeding.
• Preparation of a child for an ultrasound of abdominal cavity includes abstinence from food within at least three or four hours.
• Gallbladder ultrasound of children is also performed on an empty stomach. However, parents should bring a small bottle of yogurt with 5 % fat content (a baby should be fed during the procedure).
• Ultrasound of small pelvic organs is performed with the full urinary bladder. A child should drink up to one liter of liquid an hour before the examination (the amount depends on the child’s age).

It is important to take into account the age characteristics and the fact that many children are afraid of any medical procedures. In view of this, we recommend to pay attention to some moments in order not to make a pediatric hospital and an ultrasound yet another psychological trauma for a child.

So, here are our recommendations for creating a friendly environment during diagnostics:

• to perform it in the presence of the mom (brain ultrasound for a small baby can be performed during breast feeding);
• to try to uncover the baby’s body in the least (children feel themselves more protected when dressed);
• you can allow a little patient to touch the sensor and to show the screen calling it a TV;
• the examination should be performed in the form of a game;
• you can “reward” a baby after the ultrasound procedure (new toy, sweets, etc.).

Believe us, these recommendations will help you to get the most accurate results and safeguard the nervous system of a baby.

It is up to parents to make the decision. Let us raise some arguments in support of medical centers. First of all, the centers have modern devices that give the possibility to perform any examination on the highest level. Secondly, private medical centers guarantee high quality of services and high qualification of the specialists. Thirdly, the examination is performed on the pre-appointment basis which excludes waiting in a queue. You can book an appointment for any convenient time. A doctor will explain the data and answer the questions after the ultrasound procedure. You can get an additional consultation by a pediatric physician in our center if needed. By the way, the ultrasound of abdominal organs and kidneys of a child can be performed in a single day.

It is worth recalling that an ultrasound examination is completely safe and can be performed several times a day if necessary. Ultrasound is a highly accurate technique. And accurate diagnostics is a guarantee of the effective treatment. It is especially true when the child’s health is involved.

If you need qualified assistance and consultation on where and how to do a brain ultrasound for a child, refer to our call center. Our center provides the complete package of modern examinations that allow to get the necessary information on the child’s health status and to reveal diseases at early stages timely.

Article author: Larisa Misyura

Publication date: 16.01.2021

Do you want to get an online explanation of a doctor from Dobrobut clinic chain?

Download our application in Google Play and App Store