Modified lung ultrasound score predicts ventilation requirements in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

miR-221-3p, arterial blood gas, and lung ultrasound: a multimodal approach for predicting neonatal respiratory distress syndrome outcomes

BACKGROUND

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is one of the critical illnesses causing early death in infants due to alveolar surface-active substance deficiency, and the prognosis may show varying degrees of sequelae. Some miRNAs are valuable in the prognosis of NRDS infants. The objective of this research was to assess the predictive value of combining the three factors on the prognosis of NRDS infants by analyzing miR-221-3p levels, arterial blood gas analysis parameters and lung ultrasound (LUS) scores in NRDS infants with good and poor prognosis.

METHODS

Serum miR-221-3p levels were measured by qRT-PCR. Effect of miR-221-3p expression in prognosis of NRDS infants using Kaplan-Meier curve and COX analyses. Arterial blood gas parameters were analyzed, as well as LUS score was recorded for NRDS infants. Role of miR-221-3p combined with arterial blood gas parameters and LUS score in prognosis of NRDS infants was assessed by ROC curves. Pearson correlation was applied to assess the association of miR-221-3p with arterial blood gas analysis parameters and LUS score.

RESULTS

Serum miR-221-3p was notably greater in NRDS infants than in healthy newborns. High miR-221-3p level was related to poor prognosis for NRDS infants. pH and PaO2 were lower and PaCO2 was higher in arterial blood gas analysis parameters in poor prognosis. Furthermore, LUS score was greater on poor prognosis as opposed to good prognosis. miR-221-3p combined with arterial blood gas parameters and LUS score has a high accuracy in predicting prognosis in NRDS infants. Moreover, miR-221-3p was associated negatively with pH and PaO2 and positively with PaCO2 and LUS score.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated miR-221-3p may be related to poor survival outcomes in NRDS infants. miR-221-3p in combination with arterial blood gas parameters and LUS score has a high accuracy in determining the survival outcome of NRDS infants and may be a useful tool for clinical NRDS prognosis.

Guidelines for the use of lung ultrasound to optimise the management of neonatal respiratory distress: international expert consensus

BACKGROUND

Respiratory distress is the main reason for the admission of infants to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Rapid identification of the causes of respiratory distress and selection of appropriate and effective treatment strategies are important to optimise favourable short- and long-term patient outcomes. Lung ultrasound (LUS) technology has become increasingly important in this field. According to the scientific literature, LUS has high sensitivity (92-99%) and specificity (95-97%) in diagnosing neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. This diagnostic power helps guide timely interventions, such as surfactant therapy and mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

Our objective was to outline consensus guidelines among an international panel of experts on the use of LUS to support the decision-making process in managing respiratory distress in the NICU. We used a three-round Delphi process. In each Delphi round, 28 panellists rated their level of agreement with each statement using a four-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

In round 1, the panellists reviewed 30 initially proposed statements. In rounds 2 and 3, the statements were redeveloped based on the reviewers' comments, leading to the final approval of 18 statements. Among the 18 consensus statements, grade A was assigned a value of 10, grade B was assigned a value of 7, and grade C was assigned a value of 1.

CONCLUSIONS

A panel of experts agreed on 18 statements regarding managing infants with respiratory distress. Using LUS may help design future interventional studies and improve the benchmarking of respiratory care outcomes.

Pragmatic evaluation of point of care lung ultrasound for the triage of COVID-19 patients using a simple scoring matrix: Intraclass-classification and predictive value

BACKGROUND

The value of routine bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) for predicting patient disposition during visits to the Emergency Department (ED) is difficult to quantify. We hypothesized that a simplified scoring of bedside-acquired LUS images for the triage of acute respiratory symptoms in the ED would be associated with patient disposition.

METHODS

For this observational pragmatic study, we reviewed prospectively-collected bedside LUS images from patients presenting to the ED with acute respiratory symptoms. We agreed on a simplified LUS scoring approach (0-3). At least three reviewers blindly assessed the available LUS images for each patient and determined the worst score for each patient and the presence of individual LUS findings. The worst LUS score was used to classify patients' LUS-suggested hospital admission risk. We evaluated the agreement between reviewers and the predictive value of LUS findings for patient disposition.

RESULTS

204 patients were eligible, and 126 sets of images were available and scored. The most common LUS finding were isolated B-lines (63.5 % of LUS images), pleural thickening/irregularity (48.4 %), and diffuse B-lines (43.7 %). The patients' worst LUS score were 2 (43.5 %), 3 (26.1 %), 1 (20.7 %), and 0 (9.8 %). There was good agreement among reviewers on the worst LUS score (intra-class correlation coefficient 0.830, 95 % confidence interval (0.772-0.875)) and the LUS-suggested disposition (ICC 0.882, 95 % CI (0.846, 0.911)).

CONCLUSION

A simplified scoring of bedside-acquired LUS images from patients with acute respiratory symptoms at the emergency department reliably predicts patient disposition.

Serial sonographic assessment of diaphragmatic atrophy and lung injury patterns in mechanically ventilated preterm infants to predict extubation failure: a prospective observational study

Diaphragmatic atrophy (DA) and lung injury (LI) have been associated with mechanical ventilation (MV). We aimed to assess the ultrasonographic changes in diaphragmatic thickness and LI during MV and their prediction for extubation failure in preterm infants. In this prospective observational study, mechanically ventilated preterm infants, < 30 weeks gestation, within the first 24 h of life underwent a baseline, within 24 h of MV, and serial diaphragmatic and lung ultrasounds scans until their first extubation attempt. DA was defined as a decline in pre-extubation expiratory diaphragmatic thickness (DTexp) by ≥ 10% compared to baseline. A total of 251 ultrasound scans were performed on 38 preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 26.6 ± 1.7 weeks. Of these, 18 infants (47%) had DA. Among infants with DA, a pattern of progressive decline in DTexp was associated with a concomitant pattern of increase in the lung ultrasound score (LUS). Infants in the DA group experienced a significantly higher percentage of extubation failure [13 (72%) versus 5 (25%), p = 0.004] compared to the no-DA group. Pre-extubation LUS was significantly higher in the DA compared to the no-DA group (14.2 ± 6.0 versus 10.3 ± 5.2, p = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis controlling for gestational age, pre-extubation weight, and mean airway pressure at extubation showed that LUS [OR 1.27, 95% CI (1.04-1.56), p = 0.02] was an independent predictor of for extubation failure.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort of preterm infants, lung ultrasound score has proved to be a stronger predictor of successful extubation compared to diaphragmatic thickness.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Ultrasonographic assessment of the diaphragm and lungs is a sensitive tool in diagnosis of ventilator induced diaphragmatic atrophy and lung injury in preterm infants. Accuracy of lung and diaphragmatic ultrasound in predicting extubation outcome in preterm infants is questionable.

WHAT IS NEW

• A pattern of progressive decline in diaphragmatic thickness was associated with a concomitant pattern of increase in the lung ultrasound score in mechanically ventilated preterm infants. Lung ultrasound score has proved to be a stronger predictor of successful extubation compared to diaphragmatic thickness.

Proportion of confluent B-Lines predicts respiratory support in term infants shortly after birth

OBJECTIVE

To develop and evaluate the predictive value of a simplified lung ultrasound (LUS) method for forecasting respiratory support in term infants.

METHODS

This observational, prospective, diagnostic accuracy study was conducted in a tertiary academic hospital between June and December 2023. A total of 361 neonates underwent LUS examination within 1 h of birth. The proportion of each LUS sign was utilized to predict their respiratory outcomes and compared with the LUS score model. After identifying the best predictive LUS sign, simplified models were created based on different scan regions. The optimal simplified model was selected by comparing its accuracy with both the full model and the LUS score model.

RESULTS

After three days of follow-up, 91 infants required respiratory support, while 270 remained healthy. The proportion of confluent B-lines demonstrated high predictive accuracy for respiratory support, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 89.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84.5-93.7%). The optimal simplified model involved scanning the R/L 1-4 region, yielding an AUC of 87.5% (95% CI: 82.6-92.3%). Both the full model and the optimal simplified model exhibited higher predictive accuracy compared to the LUS score model. The optimal cut-off value for the simplified model was determined to be 15.9%, with a sensitivity of 76.9% and specificity of 91.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of confluent B-lines in LUS can effectively predict the need for respiratory support in term infants shortly after birth and offers greater reliability than the LUS score model.

Lung ultrasound for prediction of surfactant requirement in Indian preterm neonates: a diagnostic accuracy study

Surfactant replacement for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is currently guided by oxygen (FiO2) requirement in preterm neonates. Lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as an important predictive tool; however, there is a paucity of evidence from developing countries. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the LUS score in comparison to standard criteria based on FiO2 requirement for prediction of surfactant requirement. In this prospective study, preterm neonates of < 34 weeks' gestation with RDS were included within 2 h of life. Surfactant was administered if the FiO2 requirement exceeded 30%. Baseline characteristics, respiratory parameters, and LUS clips were recorded soon after birth and compared between the surfactant and non-surfactant groups. LUS scoring was later performed by masked assessors which was not used in the management of neonates. Among 82 neonates (mean gestation 30.6 weeks and weight 1375 g) included in the study, 33 (40.2%) received surfactant. The surfactant group had a higher Silverman score, required higher FiO2 and mean airway pressure, and needed invasive ventilation more frequently. The mean (± SD) LUS score was significantly higher in the surfactant (9.4 ± 3.2) compared to the non-surfactant group (5.1 ± 2.1). The diagnostic accuracy of LUS scoring was determined by ROC curve analysis (AUC (95% CI): 0.83 (0.74-0.92), p < 0.01). A cutoff score of ≥ 8 for LUS was considered optimal for the prediction of surfactant requirement (sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) of 70% (51-84) and 80% (66-90), respectively).    Conclusion: Lung ultrasound is a valid diagnostic tool for the prediction of surfactant requirements in resource-limited settings. What is Known: • Lung ultrasound has a good diagnostic accuracy in predicting the need for surfactant administration in preterm neonates in developed countries, but its role in developing countries is unclear. What is New: • Lung ultrasound proved to be a valid diagnostic tool in predicting surfactant replacement therapy in resource-limited settings. • The diagnostic performance of lung ultrasound was better in neonates on non-invasive ventilation, compared to invasive ventilation.

Association of Lung Ultrasound Scores With Different Modes of Respiratory Support and Clinical Outcomes: An Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Neonatal Unit

BACKGROUND

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is an evolving point-of-care tool in the neonatal intensive care unit. LUS score has been evaluated in adults as well as in neonates to characterize and diagnose various respiratory conditions. Recently, the LUS score has been evaluated for predicting clinical respiratory outcomes in neonates.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between LUS score and various modes of respiratory support and clinical outcomes among neonates presenting with respiratory distress.

METHODS

In this prospective, cross-sectional, observational study done in a tertiary care neonatal unit, the LUS score was calculated within three hours of receiving respiratory support. Subsequently, the LUS score was assigned with each escalation and de-escalation of respiratory support. Maximum LUS scores for each clinical outcome were also recorded. Inter-rater agreement was determined with the intraclass correlation coefficient.

RESULT

A total of 162 LUS scans were performed in 65 babies with a mean gestation of 32.4 ± 3.7 weeks and median (IQR) birth weight of 1480 (1130-2000) grams. The LUS scores (median (IQR)) of babies on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), and mechanical ventilation (MV) were 4 (3-6.5), 9 (8-11), and 12 (11-13.5), respectively (p-value < 0.001). The difference in maximum median LUS scores between different clinical outcomes was statistically significant, with a p-value < 0.001. LUS score had an excellent inter-rater agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.998; p-value < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There is an association between LUS score and different modes of respiratory support with scores increasing as the level of support increased. LUS score was also found to be related with clinical outcomes like death, extubation failure, and recovery, which could help in predicting the prognosis.

Lung Ultrasound Score in Neonatal RDS: Agreement between Sonography Expert and Neonatologists with Varying Levels of Experience

This study aimed to assess interrater agreement in lung ultrasound scores (LUS) among neonatologists with varying experience levels and an expert sonographer. A post hoc analysis was conducted on data from a prospective multicenter study involving 155 infants born <34 weeks' gestation, all with respiratory distress syndrome. A total of 629 lung scans were performed and video-recorded by 21 point-of-care sonographers, including both experienced (n = 7) and inexperienced (n = 14) evaluators. Subsequently, a blinded expert sonographer re-evaluated the assigned LUS values. The Cohen's kappa statistic for individual pulmonary field assessments ranged from 0.89 to 0.93, indicating nearly perfect agreement. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) confirmed excellent reliability on total LUS values, demonstrating similar performance of experienced (ICC = 0.92, 95% CI 0.90-0.94) and inexperienced sonographers (ICC = 0.93, 95% CI 0.92-0.94). This study underscores that lung ultrasound is easily learned, and LUS exhibits outstanding reproducibility, irrespective of the sonographer's level of experience.

Prognostic Relevance of the Lung Ultrasound Score: A Multioutcome Study in Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

 There is growing evidence for the usefulness of the lung ultrasound score (LUS) in neonatal intensive care. We evaluated whether the LUS is predictive of outcomes in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

STUDY DESIGN

 Neonates less than 34 weeks of gestational age were eligible for this prospective, multicenter cohort study. The outcomes of interest were the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) at <72 hours of life, the need for surfactant (SF), successful weaning from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), extubation readiness, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Lung scans were taken at 0 to 6 hours of life (Day 1), on Days 2, 3, and 7, and before CPAP withdrawal or extubation. Sonograms were scored (range 0-16) by a blinded expert sonographer. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to estimate the prediction accuracy of the LUS.

RESULTS

 A total of 647 scans were obtained from 155 newborns with a median gestational age of 32 weeks. On Day 1, a cutoff LUS of 6 had a sensitivity (Se) of 88% and a specificity (Sp) of 79% to predict the need for SF (AUC = 0.86), while a cutoff LUS of 7 predicted the need for MV at <72 hours of life (Se = 89%, Sp = 65%, AUC = 0.80). LUS acquired prior to weaning off CPAP was an excellent predictor of successful CPAP withdrawal, with a cutoff level of 1 (Se = 67%, Sp = 100%, AUC = 0.86).

CONCLUSION

 The LUS has significant predictive ability for important outcomes in neonatal RDS.

KEY POINTS

· Lung ultrasound has significant prognostic abilities in neonatal RDS.. · Early sonograms (0-6 h of life) accurately predict the requirement for SF and ventilation.. · Weaning off CPAP is effective when the LUS (range 0-16) is less than or equal to 1..

Lung and diaphragm ultrasound as predictors of successful weaning from nasal continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of the utility of lung and diaphragm ultrasound in the prediction of successful weaning from nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in preterm infants.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective cohort study was conducted on preterm infants who were considered ready for weaning off NCPAP. Lung and diaphragm ultrasound were performed just before and 3 h after weaning off NCPAP. The primary outcome was to evaluate the accuracy of lung ultrasound (LUS) in predicting successful weaning from NCPAP.

RESULTS

Out of 65 enrolled preterm infants, 30 (46.2%) were successfully weaned from NCPAP to room air. The successful weaning group had higher gestational ages, lower incidences of previous invasive mechanical ventilation, and treated hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus before the trial weaning. A LUS score of ≤6, measured before discontinuation of NCPAP, exhibited a predictive sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 75% for successful weaning (Area under the curve (AUC) = 0.865,  ≤.001). When the LUS score was assessed 3 h after weaning from NCPAP, a cutoff point of ≤7 predicted successful weaning with a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 60% respectively (AUC = 0.838, p ≤ .001). The diaphragmatic thickness fraction (DTF) was significantly lower in the successful weaning group. After adjustment for various factors, LUS score remained the only independent predictor of successful weaning.

CONCLUSION

LUS score before weaning from NCPAP has a good sensitivity and specificity for predicting successful weaning from NCPAP in preterm infants. Diaphragmatic excursion and DTF were not good predictors.

Diagnostic value of bedside lung ultrasound and 12-zone score in the 65 cases of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and its severity

OBJECTIVE

To explore the predictive value of bedside lung ultrasound score in the severity of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) and mechanical ventilation and extubation.

METHODS

The clinical data of 65 neonates with NRDS and invasive mechanical ventilation diagnosed in the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital from July 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. 65 neonates were included in the NRDS group, and 40 neonates with other common lung diseases were selected as the other lung disease groups. All neonates underwent lung ultrasound and X-ray examination. The correlation between lung ultrasound scores and arterial blood gas indexes was analyzed by Pearson. The efficacy of successful evacuation of mechanical ventilation was evaluated by lung ultrasound analysis by ROC curve analysis.

RESULTS

The positive rates of lung consolidation and white lung in NRDS group were higher than the other lung disease groups (P < 0.05). The positive rates of bronchial inflation sign and double lung points were lower than these in the other lung disease groups (P < 0.05). The ultrasound scores of both lungs, left lung, right lung, bilateral lung and double basal lung in the NRDS group were significantly higher than those in the other lung disease groups (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between lung ultrasound score and X-ray grade (r = 0.841, P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of lung ultrasound score for the differential diagnosis of NRDS and common lung diseases was 0.907. The AUC of lung ultrasound score in the differential diagnosis of mild and moderate, and moderate and severe NRDS were 0.914 and 0.933, respectively, which had high clinical value. The lung ultrasound score was positively correlated with the level of PaCO2 (r = 0.254, P = 0.041), and negatively correlated with the levels of SpO2 and PaO2 (r = - 0.459, - 0.362, P = 0.001, 0.003). The AUC of successful mechanical ventilation withdrawal predicted by the pulmonary ultrasound score before extubation was 0.954 (95% CI 0.907-1.000). The predictive value of successful extubation was 10 points of the pulmonary ultrasound score, with a sensitivity of 93.33% and a specificity of 88.00%.

CONCLUSION

The bedside lung ultrasound score can intuitively reflect the respiratory status of neonates, which provides clinicians with an important basis for disease evaluation.

Comparison among three lung ultrasound scores used to predict the need for surfactant replacement therapy: a retrospective diagnostic accuracy study in a cohort of preterm infants

Lung ultrasound (LU) has emerged as the imaging technique of choice for the assessment of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) at the bedside. Scoring systems were developed to quantify RDS severity and to predict the need for surfactant administration. There is no data on the comparison of the three main LU scores (LUS) proposed by Brat, Raimondi and Rodriguez-Fanjul. Moreover, there is not enough evidence to recommend which score and which cut-off has the best ability to predict surfactant need. The three LUS were compared in terms of ability to predict the need for surfactant and reproducibility in a cohort of very preterm infants. This was an observational, retrospective, multicenter study. Neonates below 32 weeks of gestational age with RDS, on non-invasive ventilation with a LU performed prior to surfactant administration (1-3 h of life) were included. Brat, Raimondi, and Rodriguez-Fanjul's scores were calculated for each patient. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the ability to predict surfactant administration. K-Cohen test, Bland-Altman, and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess the intra and interobserver variability. Fifty-four preterm infants were enrolled. Brat, Raimondi, and Rodriguez-Fanjul scores showed a strong ability to predict the need for surfactant: the AUCs were 0.85 (95% CI 0.74-0.96), 0.85 (95% CI 0.75-0.96), and 0.79 (95% CI 0.67-0.92), respectively. No significant differences have been found between the AUCs using the DeLong test. Brat and Raimondi's scores had an optimal cut-off value > 8, while the Rodriguez-Fanjul's score > 10. The k-Cohen values of intraobserver agreement for Brat, Raimondi, and Rodriguez-Fanjul's scores were 0.896 (0.698-1.000), 1.000 (1.000-1.000), and 0.922 (0.767-1.000), respectively. The k-Cohen values of interobserver agreement were 0.896 (0.698-1.000), 0.911 (0.741-1.000), and 0.833 (0.612-1.000), respectively.Conclusions: The three LUS had an excellent ability to predict the need for surfactant and an optimal intra and interobserver agreement. The differences found between the three scores are minimal with negligible clinical implications. Since the optimal cut-off value differed, the same score should be used consistently within the same center. What is Known: • Lung ultrasound is a useful bedside imaging tool that should be used in the assessment of neonates with RDS • Scoring systems or lung ultrasound scores allow to quantify the severity of the pulmonary disease and to predict the need for surfactant replacement therapy What is New: • The three lung ultrasound scores by Brat, Raimondi and Rodriguez-Fanjul have an excellent ability to predict the need for surfactant replacement therapy, although with different cut-off values • All three lung ultrasound scores had an excellent intra and interobserver reproducibility.

Monitoring of the Healthy Neonatal Transition Period with Serial Lung Ultrasound

Ultrasound has been used to observe lung aeration and fluid clearance during the neonatal transition period, but there is no consensus regarding the optimal timing of lung ultrasound. We aimed to monitor the trend of the serial lung ultrasound score (LUS) and extended LUS (eLUS) throughout the neonatal transition period (≤1, 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h after birth), assess any correlation to the clinical presentation (using the Silverman Andersen Respiratory Severity Score (RSS)), and determine the optimal time of the ultrasound. We found both LUS and eLUS decreased significantly after 2 h of life and had similar statistical differences among the serial time points. Although both scores had a positive, moderate correlation to the RSS overall (Pearson correlation 0.499 [p < 0.001] between LUS and RSS, 0.504 [p < 0.001] between eLUS and RSS), the correlation was poor within 1 h of life (Pearson correlation 0.15 [p = 0.389] between LUS and RSS, 0.099 [p = 0.573] between eLUS and RSS). For better clinical correlation, the first lung ultrasound for the neonate may be performed at 2 h of life. Further research is warranted to explore the clinical value and limitations of earlier (≤1 h of life) lung ultrasound examinations.

Pulmonary Sonography - Neonatal Diagnosis Part 2

A healthy, air-filled lung can only be visualized by its artifacts, and pathologies of the lung are revealed by changes in these artifacts. Because ultrasound artifacts are predominantly used in pulmonary sonography to assess pathologic processes, the variability of sonographically imageable phenomena is limited. For this reason, different pulmonary diseases may present very similarly in ultrasound. Therefore, a correct interpretation of the findings is only possible in the clinical context, taking into account the age-dependent differential diagnoses.The particular relevance of lung ultrasound in the treatment of neonatal patients results from a close correlation between the extent of sonographically-depictable pathologies and parameters of respiratory insufficiency. This suggests a direct correlation between ultrasound findings and the severity of lung injury. Lung ultrasound thus represents a unique, ubiquitously available, bedside, serial method for monitoring the pulmonary status.

Can lung ultrasound score accurately predict surfactant replacement? A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test studies

BACKGROUND

Clinical and radiographic criteria are traditionally used to determine the need for surfactant therapy in preterm infants. Lung ultrasound is a bedside test that offers a rapid, radiation-free, alternative to this approach.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the accuracy of a lung ultrasound score (LUS) in identifying infants who would receive at least one surfactant dose. Secondary aims were to evaluate the predictive accuracy for ≥2 doses and the accuracy of a different image classification system based on three lung ultrasound profiles.

METHODS

PubMed, SCOPUS, Biomed Central, and the Cochrane library between January 2011 and December 2021 were searched. Full articles enrolling preterm neonates who underwent lung ultrasound to predict surfactant administration were assessed and analyzed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and QUADAS-2 guidelines.

RESULTS

Seven prospective studies recruiting 697 infants met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was generally low. Oxygen requirement, clinical and radiographic signs of respiratory distress syndrome were used as reference standards for surfactant replacement. The summary receiver operator characteristic (sROC) curve for LUS predicting first surfactant dose showed an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82-0.91); optimal specificity and sensitivity (Youden index) were 0.83 and 0.81 respectively. Pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value for LUS predicting the first surfactant dose were 0.89 (0.82-0.95), 0.86 (0.78-0.95), 3.78 (3.05-4.50), 0.92 (0.87-0.97), 0.79 (0.65-0.92). The sROC curve for the accuracy of Type 1 lung profile in predicting first surfactant dose showed an AUC of 0.88; optimal specificity and sensitivity were both 0.86. Two studies addressing the predictive accuracy of LUS for ≥2 surfactant doses had high heterogeneity and were unsuitable to combine in a meta-analysis.

DISCUSSION

Despite current significant variation in LUS thresholds, lung ultrasound is highly predictive of the need for early surfactant replacement. This evidence was derived from studies with homogeneous patient characteristics and low risk of bias.

Neonatal cardiorespiratory imaging-a multimodality state-of-the-art review

Advanced cardiorespiratory imaging of the chest with ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in diagnosing respiratory and cardiac conditions in neonates when radiography and echocardiography alone are not sufficient. This pictorial essay highlights the particularities, clinical indications and technical aspects of applying chest US, cardiac CT and cardiorespiratory MRI techniques specifically to neonates, summarising the first session of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology's cardiothoracic task force.

Accuracy of lung and diaphragm ultrasound in predicting successful extubation in extremely preterm infants: A prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

Chest ultrasound has emerged as a promising tool in predicting extubation readiness in adults and children, yet its utility in preterm infants is lacking. Our aim was to assess the utility of lung ultrasound severity score (LUSS) and diaphragmatic function in predicting extubation readiness in extremely preterm infants.

STUDY DESIGN

In this prospective cohort study, preterm infants < 28 weeks gestational age (GA) who received invasive mechanical ventilation for ≥12 h were enrolled. Chest ultrasound was performed before extubation. The primary outcome was lung ultrasound accuracy for predicting successful extubation at 3 days. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were done using SPSS version 22.

RESULTS

We enrolled 45 infants, of whom 36 (80%) were successfully extubated. GA and postmenstrual age (PMA) at extubation were significantly higher in the successful group. The LUSS was significantly lower in the successful group compared to failed group (11.9 ± 3.2 vs. 19.1 ± 3.1 p < 0.001). The two groups had no statistically significant difference in diaphragmatic excursion or diaphragmatic thickness fraction. Logistic regression analysis controlling for GA and PMA at extubation showed LUSS was an independent predictor for successful extubation (odd ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval [0.23-0.9], p = 0.02). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.95 (p ˂ 0.001) for LUSS, and a cut-off value of ≥15 had 95% sensitivity and 85% specificity in detecting extubation failure.

CONCLUSION

In extremely preterm infants, lung ultrasound has good accuracy for predicting successful extubation. However, diaphragmatic measurements were not reliable predictors.

Lung ultrasound score as a predictor of ventilator use in preterm infants with dyspnea within 24 h after dhospitalization

BACKGROUND

Selecting the correct ventilation strategy is crucial for the survival of preterm infants with dyspnea in NICU. Lung ultrasound score (LUSsc) is a potential predictor for respiratory support patterns in preterm infants.

METHODS

We prospectively included 857 preterm infants. LUS was performed in the first 2 h after admission, and LUSsc was determined by two specialist sonographers. Participants were divided into two categories according to gestational age (<32⁺⁰ weeks and 32⁺⁰-36⁺⁶ weeks) and randomly divided into a training set and a validation set. There were two main outcomes: invasive and non-invasive respiratory support. In the training set, clinical factors were analyzed to find the best cut-off value of LUSsc, and consistency was verified in the verification set. The choice of invasive respiratory support was based on neonatal mechanical ventilation strategies.

RESULTS

Preterm infants with invasive respiratory support had a higher LUSsc, greater use of Pulmonary Surfactant（PS）, and lower Oxygenation Index（OI）、birth weight than those with non-invasive support. In the <32⁺⁰ weeks group, the area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic curve plotted with 2-h LUSsc was 0.749 (95% CI: 0.689-0.809), the cut-off point of LUSsc was 8, and the sensitivity and specificity were 74.0% and 68.3%, respectively. In the 32⁺⁰-36⁺⁶ weeks group, the AUC was 0.863 (95% CI: 0.811-0.911), with a cut-off point of 7. Sensitivity and specificity were 75.3% and 0.836%, respectively. In the validation set, using the actual clinical respiratory support selection results for verification, the validation results showed for the <32⁺⁰ weeks group (Kappa value 0.660, P < 0.05, McNemar test P > 0.05) for preterm 32⁺⁰-36⁺⁶ weeks (Kappa value 0.779, P < 0.05, McNemar test P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The LUSsc showed good reliability in predicting respiratory support mode for preterm infants with dyspnea. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: chiCTR1900023869).

The predictive value of lung ultrasound combined with central venous oxygen saturation variations in the outcome of ventilator weaning in patients after thoracic surgery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive value of lung ultrasound score (LUS) combined with central venous oxygen saturation variations (ΔScvO2) in the outcome of ventilator weaning in patients after thoracic surgery.

METHODS

The clinical data of 60 patients who received tracheal intubation ventilator-assisted breathing after thoracic surgery were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into successful (n = 35) and failed (n = 25) groups according to the postoperative weaning outcomes. The factors influencing the failure of weaning in patients after thoracic surgery were compared and analyzed, and the values of LUS, ΔScvO2 as well as the combination of both were calculated to predict the failure of weaning in patients after thoracic surgery.

RESULTS

The results of logistic regression analysis showed that LUS, ΔScvO2, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) may be risk factors influencing weaning failure in patients after thoracic surgery (OR = 1.844, 4.006, 1.271, P < 0.001 for all), while diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) and partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) may be protective factors (OR = 0.852, 0.674, P = 0.002 for all). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve showed that area under the curves (AUCs) of LUS, ΔScvO2, and the combination of the two was 0.865 (95% CI: 0.766-0.964), 0.874 (95% CI: 0.781-0.967), and 0.925 (95% CI: 0.860-0.990), respectively, in predicting failure of weaning in patients after thoracic surgery.

CONCLUSION

LUS and ΔScvO2 were closely related to chest ultrasound index and arterial blood gas index in patients after thoracic surgery, both of which may be risk factors for weaning failure in patients after thoracic surgery, and their combination can effectively predict the occurrence of weaning failure.

Application of ultrasonography in neonatal lung disease: An updated review

Lung disease is often life-threatening for both preterm and term newborns. Therefore, an accurate and rapid diagnosis of lung diseases in newborns is crucial, as management strategies differ with different etiologies. To reduce the risk of radiation exposure derived from the conventionally used chest x-ray as well as computed tomography scans, lung ultrasonography (LUS) has been introduced in clinical practice to identify and differentiate neonatal lung diseases because of its radiation-free characteristic, convenience, high accuracy, and low cost. In recent years, it has been proved that LUS exhibits high sensitivity and specificity for identifying various neonatal lung diseases. Here, we offer an updated review of the applications of LUS in neonatal lung diseases based on the reports published in recent years (2017 to present).

Lowering of the Neonatal Lung Ultrasonography Score after nCPAP Positioning in Neonates over 32 Weeks of Gestational Age with Neonatal Respiratory Distress

Respiratory distress (RD) is one of the most common causes of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Correct diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial. Lung ultrasonography (LU) is a useful diagnostic tool for the neonatologist in the diagnosis of RD; the neonatal lung ultrasonography score (nLUS) can be used in the diagnostic process, but some authors hypothesise that it is also useful for the management of some neonatal RD. The aim of this study is to analyse the changes in nLUS score before (T0) and after (T1) the start of respiratory support with nasal CPAP in neonates over 32 weeks of age with RD. Thirty-three newborns were enrolled in this retrospective study. LU was performed before and after the start of CPAP. The median nLUS scores at T0 and T1 were 9 (IQR 7−12) and 7 (IQR 4−10), respectively, and showed a significant difference (p < 0.001). The magnitude of reduction in nLUS score, expressed as a percentage, was inversely related to the need for subsequent administration of exogenous surfactant. The study suggests the usefulness of the nLUS score in assessing the response to CPAP in neonates over 32 weeks gestational age.

Lung ultrasound scores in neonatal clinical practice: A narrative review of the literature

Lung ultrasound (LU) has in recent years increasingly been used as a point-of-care method. Initially, LU was used as a so-called descriptive diagnostic method for neonatal respiratory diseases. Instead, this review article focuses on the use of LU as a "functional" tool using classification of findings in patterns or using semiquantitative scores. We review and describe the evidence that led to the implementation of LU in predicting the need for surfactant replacement therapy in preterm infants and in the identification of newborns at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia. LU appears to be a very promising method for the future of clinical management of newborns in both acute and chronic phases of pulmonary pathologies related to prematurity. However, further studies are needed to define its role before full implementation.

Lung Ultrasound in Children with Cystic Fibrosis in Comparison with Chest Computed Tomography: A Feasibility Study

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease determines the outcome of this condition. For lung evaluation processes, computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard, but also causes irradiation. Lately, lung ultrasound (LUS) has proven to be reliable for the diagnosis of consolidations, atelectasis, and/or bronchiectasis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the value of a newly conceived LUS score by comparing it to the modified Bhalla CT score. A further aim was to evaluate the correlation between the score and the lung clearance index (LCI). Methods: Patients with CF were screened by LUS, followed by a CT scan. Spearman’s test was used for correlations. Results: A total of 98 patients with CF were screened, and 57 were included in the study; their mean age was 11.8 ± 5.5 (mean ± SD) years. The mean LUS score was 5.88 ± 5.4 SD. The LUS CF score had a very strong correlation with the CT score of rs = 0.87 (p = 0.000). LUS showed a good sensibility for detecting atelectasis (Se = 83.7%) and consolidations (Se = 94.4%). A lower Se (77.7%) and Sp (9%) were found for cylindrical bronchiectasis. Conclusion: Our study shows that LUS and the lung CF score are parameters that can be used with a complementary role in the diagnosis and monitoring of CF lung disease in children.

Lung Ultrasound for the Diagnosis and Management of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Minireview

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is useful for diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome in neonates. Recently, it has been proved to play an important role in the management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). It is feasible to grade RDS and select therapeutic modalities accordingly by LUS. The treatment also should be adjusted with the change in ultrasound images. In conclusion, LUS is valuable for the diagnosis and management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

The Value of Lung Ultrasound Score in Neonatology

Point-of-care lung ultrasound (LUS) is increasingly applied in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Diagnostic applications for LUS in the NICU contain the diagnosis of many common neonatal pulmonary diseases (such as Respiratory distress syndrome, Transient tachypnea of the newborn, Meconium aspiration syndrome, Pneumonia, Pneumothorax, and Pleural effusion) which have been validated. In addition to being employed as a diagnostic tool in the classical sense of the term, recent studies have shown that the number and type of artifacts are associated with lung aeration. Based on this theory, over the last few years, LUS has also been used as a semi-quantitative method or as a "functional" tool. Scores have been proposed to monitor the progress of neonatal lung diseases and to decide whether or not to perform a specific treatment. The semi-quantitative LUS scores (LUSs) have been developed to predict the demand for surfactant therapy, the need of respiratory support and the progress of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Given their ease of use, accuracy and lack of invasiveness, the use of LUSs is increasing in clinical practice. Therefore, this manuscript will review the application of LUSs in neonatal lung diseases.

Protocol for a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase III trial of the inhaled β2-adrenergic receptor agonist salbutamol for transient tachypnea of the newborn (the REFSAL trial)

BACKGROUND

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), which results from inadequate absorption of fetal lung fluid, is the most common cause of neonatal respiratory distress. Stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors enhances alveolar fluid absorption. Therefore, the β2-adrenergic receptor agonist salbutamol has been proposed as a treatment for TTN. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of salbutamol as supportive pharmacotherapy together with non-invasive nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NIV/nCPAP) for the prevention of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) in infants with TTN.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This multicenter, double-blind, phase III trial will include infants with a gestational age between 32 and 42 weeks who are affected by respiratory disorders and treated in eight neonatal intensive care units in Poland. A total of 608 infants within 24 h after birth will be enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive nebulized salbutamol with NIV or placebo (nebulized 0.9% NaCl) with NIV. The primary outcome is the percentage of infants with TTN who develop PPHN. The secondary outcomes are the severity of respiratory distress (assessed with the modified TTN Silverman score), frequency of need for intubation, duration of NIV and hospitalization, acid-base balance (blood pH, partial pressure of O₂ and CO₂, and base excess), and blood serum ionogram for Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺.

DISCUSSION

The Respiratory Failure with Salbutamol (REFSAL) study will be the first clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of salbutamol in the prevention of persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns with tachypnea, and will improve short term outcomes. If successful, the study will demonstrate the feasibility of early intervention with NIV/nCPAP together with nebulized salbutamol in the management of TTN.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland on November 16, 2020 (decision number KB/190/2020). All procedures will follow the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The results of the study will be submitted for knowledge translation in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international pediatric society conferences.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

It is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05527704, EudraCT 2020-003913-36; Protocol version 5.0 from 04/01/2022.

Gravity-induced loss of aeration and atelectasis development in the preterm lung: a serial sonographic assessment

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of gravity and time on the changes in the distribution patterns of loss of aeration and atelectasis development in very preterm infants.

STUDY DESIGN

Preterm infants less than 32 weeks gestation were included in this prospective, observational study. Infants were assessed via serial lung ultrasound (LUS) score in four lung zones, performed on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after birth.

RESULT

Eighty-eight patients were enrolled. There was a significant main effect of gravity (P < 0.001) and time (P = 0.01) on the LUS score between gravity-dependent lungs and non-dependent lungs. Moreover, there was a significant main effect of gravity (P = 0.003) on atelectasis development between the lungs.

CONCLUSION

Gravity and time have an impact on the changes in the distribution patterns of gravity-induced lung injuries in preterm infants.

Roles of Lung Ultrasound Score in the Extubation Failure From Mechanical Ventilation Among Premature Infants With Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of lung ultrasound score (LUS) in the extubation failure from mechanical ventilation (MV) among premature infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted with a total of 314 RDS newborns who received MV support for over 24 h. After extubation from MV, infants were divided into extubation success and extubation failure groups. Extubation failure was defined as re-intubation within 48 h after extubation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the predictors of the extubation failure. The predictive effectiveness of the combined model and LUS in the extubation failure was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve, area under curve (AUC), and internal validation. Results: 106 infants failed extubation from MV. The combined model for predicting the extubation failure was performed according to the predictors of gestational age, body length, birth weight, and LUS. The AUC of this combined model was 0.871 (sensitivity: 86.67%, specificity: 74.31%). The AUC of LUS was 0.858 (sensitivity: 84.00%, specificity: 80.69%), and the cutoff value was 18. There was no statistical difference in the predictive power between the combined model and LUS (Z = 0.880, P = 0.379). The internal validation result showed that the AUC of LUS was 0.855. Conclusions: LUS presented a good ability in predicting the extubation failure among RDS newborns after MV.