Routine antenatal ultrasound in low- and middle-income countries: first look - a cluster randomised trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Ultrasound is widely regarded as an important adjunct to antenatal care (ANC) to guide practice and reduce perinatal mortality. We assessed the impact of ANC ultrasound use at health centres in resource-limited countries.

Design

Cluster randomised trial.

Setting

Clusters within five countries (Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, Kenya, Pakistan, and Zambia) METHODS: Clusters were randomised to standard ANC or standard care plus two ultrasounds and referral for complications. The study trained providers in intervention clusters to perform basic obstetric ultrasounds.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was a composite of maternal mortality, maternal near-miss mortality, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality.

Results

During the 24-month t

SUBMITTER: Goldenberg RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6390492 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature