Aims and objectives
This work on neonatal chest ultrasound has shown that the persistence of a hyperechogenic,
"white lung" image correlates with severe distress in 28 infants.
We investigate the persistent “white lung” ultrasound image in predicting the success or failure of noninvasive ventilation.
Methods and materials
28 infants with mild to moderate respiratory distress (Silverman-Anderson score) were enrolled.
After 2 hours,
chest ultrasound and RX were performed.
The Lung ultrasound was classified as Type 1: the persistence of a hyperechogenic,
"white lung" image correlates with severe distress in the preterm infant; Type 2: presence of multiple B lines; Type 3: Normal,
with A lines and not B lines.
Chest radiograph also was examined and graded by an experienced radiologist blind to the infants clinical condition.
Results
We enrolled 28 patients: 15 were classified as type1,
13 as type 2-3.
There were no significant differences in comparing the diagnostic accuracybetween chest US and chest X-Ray.
Conclusion
Chest ultrasound is a fast and safe method for the diagnosis and follow-up of respiratory distress.
Future studies should address whether including ultrasonography in the management of neonatal moderate RD confers clinical advantages.
References
Reuter S,
Moser C,
Baack M.
Respiratory Distress in the Newborn.
Pediatrics in Review.
2014;35:417
Silverman W,
Anderson D.Pediatrics17:1,
1956.
Copyright American Academy of Pediatrics
Zanforlin A,
et al.
The Role of Chest Ultrasonography in the Management of Respiratory Diseases: document I.
Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine.
2013; 8:54:1-11
Brusa G,
et al.
Neonatal Lung Sonography – Interobserver Agreement Between Physician Interpreters with Varying Level of Experience. American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine.
2015; 34:1549-1554
Smargiassi A,
et al.
The Role of Chest Ultrasonography in the Management of...