Early lung ultrasound score to predict non-invasive ventilation needing in neonates from 33 weeks of gestational age: a multi-centric study

• Published in: Pediatric pulmonology 2022-06
• Main Authors: Alessandro, Perri, Annamaria, Sbordone, Letizia, Patti Maria, Stefano, Nobile, Chiara, Tirone, Lucia, Giordano, Milena, Tana, Vito, D'Andrea, Francesca, Priolo, Francesca, Serrao, Riccardo, Riccardi, Giorgia, Prontera, Chiara, Maddaloni, Jacopo, Lenkowicz, Luca, Boldrini, Giovanni, Vento
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1099-0496
• DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26031

To propose an early lung ultrasound (LUS) score for the prediction of the need for respiratory assistance in newborns of gestational age (GA) ≥ 33 weeks presenting respiratory distress. Multicenter, prospective observational study in third level neonatal intensive care units. Infants with GA ≥ 33+0 weeks with respiratory distress within 3 hours of life. Three LUS for each patient were collected: within 3 hours of life(T0), at 4-6 hours of life (T1), and at the resolution of symptoms (T2). The primary aim was to assess the validity of the early LUS score in predicting the need for CPAP. We also evaluated the validity of the score in predicting the need for surfactant, the scores' trend in our population and any correlation with the duration of ventilation and oxygen therapy. Sixty-two patients were enrolled in the study. The mean GA was 36 weeks. The ROC analysis for the LUS T0 and T1 yielded AUCs of 0,91 and 0,82 in predicting the need for CPAP, respectively. LUS score cut off of 6 (sensitivity 84,8%, specificity 86,2%) and 5 (sensitivity 66,7%, specificity 100%) were calculated at T0 and T1, respectively. We found significant correlations between LUS score and respiratory assistance, surfactant administration and SpO /FiO ratio. An early LUS score is a good non-invasive predictor of the need of respiratory assistance with CPAP and surfactant administration in newborns with GA ≥ 33 weeks. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.