The Use of Ultrasonography in the Suprapubic Bladder Aspiration in Neonates

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Suprapubic bladder aspiration (SBA) of urine is an acceptable method to obtain sterile urine in the newborn infants. But the main problem with this technique is the low success rate of the procedure. We undertook a randomized, prospective study to determine whether a portable ultrasound examination could improve the success rate of SBA in the newborns. METHODS: In the ultrasound group, 46 newborns underwent SBA if ultrasound revealed sufficient urine (10x20 mm) in the bladder. In the control group, 32 newborns underwent SBA without an ultrasound examination. After each attempt, the number of needle punctures, volume of urine obtained and any complications of the procedures were recorded. RESULTS: 1) Success rate of SBA in this study was 91.3% (42/46) in the ultrasound group compared with 68.8% (22/32) in the control group (P<0.05). The mean number of punctures in the ultrasound group was less than in the control group (P<0.001). 2) The mean number of punctures and the frequency of hematuria were less in the success group of SBA (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Portable ultrasonography can improve the success rate of SBA and reduce the number of passes and complications.