In Ukraine, the ultrasound examination with contrast enhancement was successfully conducted by doctors of the municipal institution of the Lviv Regional Council of the Western Ukrainian Specialized Children’s Medical Center. A patient of the regional hospital, a 15-year-old girl diagnosed with chronic autoimmune hepatitis is feeling well. The ultrasound procedure to assess the condition of the liver in the child was without any complications.
The method of contrast enhanced ultrasound in pediatrics is widely used, but due to the lack of certified contrast agents, such an examination was not available to Ukrainian patients. Viktor Zhelyov, a doctor in the diagnostics department of the Western Ukrainian Specialized Children’s Medical Center, a member of the International Association of Contrast Ultrasound (ICUS), agreed to provide Lviv Hospital with SonoVue from the manufacturer. Separate funds for the purchase of bridle equipment in 2018 were allocated by the World Bank under the cancer prevention program.
It should be noted that before applying the method to a teenager, doctor Viktor Zhelyov conducted research on himself and made sure of his safety.
“The examination itself does not require special training, and can be performed without stress in the child. Pre-contrast contrast enhancement studies significantly reduce the risk of complications. And the undeniable advantage is the absence of ionizing radiation, nephro and hepatotoxic effects, “- explain the doctors.
The staff of the center managed to implement a project to implement the latest methodology thanks to the broad support and assistance of Ukrainian and foreign colleagues. Now the doctors of the intervention procedures office are already sharing the received contrast materials with their colleagues from other hospitals in Lviv.
“Our specialists are ready to share the acquired knowledge and experience in order to provide quality medical care to as many children as possible. And we hope for a quick registration of contrast agents, “said the administration of the Western Ukrainian Specialized Children’s Medical Center.