Cranial Ultrasound of the Newborn: Knowledge, Practice and Safety

Cranial ultrasound is used routinely to examine the brains of prematurely born infants. Our novel study indicates that diagnostic levels of ultrasound are capable of inducing inflammation in the brain without sufficient knowledge by operators on strategies to reduce such potentially adverse effects. The critical factor in determining the likelihood of inducing a bioeffect is the overall duration of exposure. Yet, this is not recognised by governing bodies or operators. These findings call for urgent further research in order to establish safety protocols for neonatal cranial scans.