Study of Point of Care Cranial Ultrasound in Neonates with Perinatal Risk Factors: A Prospective Observational Study

Objectives: Point-of-care cranial ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a critical diagnostic modality in neonates with perinatal risk factors, allowing bedside assessment of central nervous system abnormalities. Neonates with maternal, per partum, or neonatal risk factors such as prematurity, low birth weight, and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) are at high risk for neurodevelopmental complications. This study aims to evaluate point-of-care cranial ultrasound findings in neonates with perinatal risk factors, correlating these findings with risk factors and assessing their association with neurodevelopmental outcomes. Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted over 12 months at a tertiary care hospital, involving 115 neonates with perinatal risk factors. Cranial ultrasounds were performed between days 3–7 of life and neonates with abnormal findings were followed up at 9 months using Trivandrum Developmental Screening Charts to assess neurodevelopmental delays. Results: Abnormal cranial ultrasounds findings were observed in 26% of neonates, with periventricular flares (80%) being the most common, followed by germinal matrix hemorrhage (6.66%), focal cystic lesions (6.66%), and cystic periventricular leukomalacia (3.33%). Significant correlations (p<0.05) were found between abnormal findings and very low birth weight, RDS, sepsis, and birth asphyxia. Among neonates with abnormal findings, 26.7% exhibited delayed milestones. Conclusion: POCUS is an effective, non-invasive, and cost-efficient tool for detecting and monitoring cranial abnormalities in neonates with perinatal risk factors. Its integration into neonatal care protocols facilitates early diagnosis, timely interventions, and better neurodevelopmental outcomes, emphasizing its role in modern neonatal care.