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Evidence · Systematic review or meta-analysis

Diagnostic and predictive value of Doppler ultrasound for evaluation of the brain circulation in preterm infants: a systematic review.

Systematic review or meta-analysisPediatric Research2020Over 5 years oldFull text
  • Cardiovascular
  • Intraventricular haemorrhage and white matter injury
  • Medical
  • Neurodevelopmental follow-up
  • Neurology
  • Patent ductus arteriosus

This paper is from 2020, more than five years ago. Newer evidence may have been published since.

Summary

This systematic review of 23 studies examines the diagnostic and predictive value of cerebral arterial Doppler ultrasound parameters in very and extremely preterm infants. It assesses the relationship between cerebral blood flow measures, particularly resistance index, and haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, brain injury and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis; elevated resistance index was consistently associated with a significant PDA, but evidence for predicting brain injury or neurodevelopmental outcome was inconsistent. The authors conclude routine cerebral Doppler measurement for outcome prediction is not supported.

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