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

ObjectiveUltrasound 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. DesignCluster randomised trial. SettingClusters within five countries (Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, Kenya, Pakistan, and Zambia) MethodsClusters 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 measuresThe primary outcome was a composite of maternal mortality, maternal near-miss mortality, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality. ResultsDuring the 24-month trial, 28 intervention and 28 control clusters had 24 263 and 23 160 births, respectively; 78% in the intervention clusters received at least one study ultrasound; 60% received two. The prevalence of conditions noted including twins, placenta previa, and abnormal lie was within expected ranges. 9% were referred for an ultrasound-diagnosed condition, and 71% attended the referral. The ANC (RR 1.0 95% CI 1.00, 1.01) and hospital delivery rates for complicated pregnancies (RR 1.03 95% CI 0.89, 1.20) did not differ between intervention and control clusters nor did the composite outcome (RR 1.09 95% CI 0.97, 1.23) or its individual components. ConclusionsDespite availability of ultrasound at ANC in the intervention clusters, neither ANC nor hospital delivery for complicated pregnancies increased. The composite outcome and the individual components were not reduced. Tweetable abstractAntenatal care ultrasound did not improve a composite outcome that included maternal, fetal, and neonatal mortality. Tweetable abstract Antenatal care ultrasound did not improve a composite outcome that included maternal, fetal, and neonatal mortality.