Am J Perinatol 2022; 39(02): 113-119
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739352
SMFM Fellowship Series Article

Detection of Fetal Anomalies by Remotely Directed and Interpreted Ultrasound (Teleultrasound): A Randomized Noninferiority Trial

1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
2   College of Public Health, Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
,
Dawn S. Hughes
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
,
Nader Z. Rabie
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
,
Songthip T. Ounpraseuth
3   Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
,
Wendy N. Nembhard
2   College of Public Health, Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
4   Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
,
Suneet P. Chauhan
5   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas
,
Everett F. Magann
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
2   College of Public Health, Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
› Author Affiliations
Funding This project was supported by a cooperative agreement #U01DD001229 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, granted to author W.N.N. The authors D.S.H., N.Z.R., E.F.M., S.T.O., and J.R.W. are not listed on this grant, but are at the same institution in different departments.

Abstract

Objective To determine the accuracy and reliability of remotely directed and interpreted ultrasound (teleultrasound) as compared with standard in-person ultrasound for the detection of fetal anomalies, and to determine participants' satisfaction with teleultrasound.

Study Design This was a single-center, randomized (1:1) noninferiority study. Individuals referred to the maternal–fetal medicine (MFM) ultrasound clinic were randomized to standard in-person ultrasound and counseling or teleultrasound and telemedicine counseling. The primary outcome was major fetal anomaly detection rate (sensitivity). All ultrasounds were performed by registered diagnostic medical sonographers and interpretations were done by a group of five MFM physicians. After teleultrasound was completed, the teleultrasound patients filled out a satisfaction survey using a Likert scale. Newborn data were obtained from the newborn record and statewide birth defect databases.

Results Of 300 individuals randomized in each group, 294 were analyzed in the remotely interpreted teleultrasound group and 291 were analyzed in the in-person ultrasound group. The sensitivity of sonographic detection of 28 anomalies was 82.14% in the control group and of 20 anomalies in the telemedicine group, it was 85.0%. The observed difference in sensitivity was 0.0286, much smaller than the proposed noninferiority limit of 0.05. Specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and accuracy were more than 94% for both groups. Patient satisfaction was more than 95% on all measures, and there were no significant differences in patient satisfaction based on maternal characteristics.

Conclusion Teleultrasound is not inferior to standard in-person ultrasound for the detection of fetal anomalies. Teleultrasound was uniformly well received by patients, regardless of demographics. These key findings support the continued expansion of telemedicine services.

Key Points

  • For detection of major anomalies, teleultrasound is comparable to standard ultrasound.

  • Teleultrasound was well accepted by patients.

  • Teleultrasound use should be expanded.

Note

Dr. Whittington and Dr. Rabie are active duty members of the Armed Forces. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. They are military service members. This work was prepared as part of their official duties. Title 17 U.S.C. 105 provides that “Copyright protection under this title is not available for any work of the United States government.” Title 17 U.S.C. 101 defines the U.S. government works as a work prepared by a military service member or employee of the U.S. government as part of that person's official duties.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 08 February 2021

Accepted: 04 October 2021

Article published online:
22 November 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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