title: Review: indications for ultrasound use in low- and middle-income countries.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the indications for using ultrasound, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to assess whether its use alters clinical management.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature review. We conducted a Pubmed search on the clinical use of ultrasound in LMIC for articles published between January 2000 and December 2010, recording country of origin, speciality and whether ultrasound use led to a change in management.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-eight articles were identified from 32 countries and represented nine specialties. Ultrasound was most commonly used for assisting with the diagnosis of obstetrical conditions, followed by intra-abdominal conditions such as liver abscesses and intussusceptions. Clinical management was altered in >30% of cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultrasound is a highly valuable diagnostic tool in LMICs and its use should be considered essential for all district medical facilities. The use could be applied more widely, eg., for tropical and non-communicable diseases. Additional research is needed to further characterize the impact of task shifting on ultrasound use in LMICs.
authors: Surgeons OverSeas, New York, NY, USA.
authors: Reinou S
authors: RS
authors: Groen
authors: Jeffrey J
authors: JJ
authors: Leow
authors: Vijay
authors: V
authors: Sadasivam
authors: Adam L
authors: AL
authors: Kushner
mesh_terms: D015510:Clinical Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D003906:Developing Countries; D006801:Humans; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*