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Ultrasound during pregnancy and subsequent childhood non‐right handedness: a meta‐analysis
Author(s) -
Salvesen K. Å.,
EikNes S. H.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.1999.13040241.x
Subject(s) - medicine , ultrasound , pregnancy , meta analysis , association (psychology) , ultrasonography , exploratory analysis , obstetrics , randomized controlled trial , exploratory research , in utero , subgroup analysis , significant difference , pediatrics , surgery , fetus , radiology , philosophy , genetics , data science , epistemology , sociology , computer science , anthropology , biology
Objective A possible association between ultrasound during pregnancy and subsequent non‐right handedness among children has been suggested. The association has been reported to be stronger among boys. The aim of the present study was to explore this further through a meta‐analysis of two follow‐up studies of three randomized controlled trials of routine ultrasonography during pregnancy. Design Handedness was assessed through a questionnaire to the parents, and 4715 children at the age of 8–9 years were included in the meta‐analysis. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of non‐right handedness between the ultra‐sound‐screened children and the controls, but there was a statistically significant difference in a subgroup analysis among the boys. Exploratory analyses according to exposure or non‐exposure indicated an even stronger association between ultrasound and non‐right handedness. Conclusions A conservative analytical approach indicates no association between ultrasound and subsequent non‐right handedness. The results from the exploratory analyses must be interpreted with caution. There is still a need for further research. Copyright © 1999 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology