CGPH FACULTY: Robert Spear
DATE OF PUBLICATION: January 2010
REGION: Asia
REFERENCE: Hsiang MS, Carlton EJ, Zhang Y, Zhong B, Dongchuan Q, Cohen PA, Stewart CC, Spear RC. Use of ultrasonography to evaluate Schistosoma japonicum-related morbidity in children, Sichuan Province, China, 2000-2007. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010 Jan;82(1):103-11. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0061.
SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: Liver ultrasonography is a convenient way to evaluate Schistosoma japonicum-related morbidity; however, no consensus standards exist, and data on use in Chinese children are scant. We describe 7 years of ultrasound findings in a prospective cohort of 151 children from an endemic area in Sichuan Province, China and evaluate technical aspects of the ultrasound methodology. Our findings highlight the importance of early intervention and screening. We also suggest methodological refinements to improve reliability of ultrasonography for large-scale assessment of S. japonicum-related subclinical morbidity in children.
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