Review: Indications for Ultrasound Use in Low- and Middle-income Countries

Overview

Journal Trop Med Int Health

Specialties Public Health
Tropical Medicine

Date 2011 Sep 3

PMID 21883723

Citations 36

Authors

Reinou S Groen

Jeffrey J Leow

Vijay Sadasivam

Adam L Kushner

Affiliations

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Abstract

Objective: To determine the indications for using ultrasound, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to assess whether its use alters clinical management.

Methods: Literature review. We conducted a Pubmed search on the clinical use of ultrasound in LMIC for articles published between January 2000 and December 2010, recording country of origin, speciality and whether ultrasound use led to a change in management.

Results: Fifty-eight articles were identified from 32 countries and represented nine specialties. Ultrasound was most commonly used for assisting with the diagnosis of obstetrical conditions, followed by intra-abdominal conditions such as liver abscesses and intussusceptions. Clinical management was altered in >30% of cases.

Conclusion: Ultrasound is a highly valuable diagnostic tool in LMICs and its use should be considered essential for all district medical facilities. The use could be applied more widely, eg., for tropical and non-communicable diseases. Additional research is needed to further characterize the impact of task shifting on ultrasound use in LMICs.

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