Diaphragmatic and excursion thickness in newborns using diaphragmatic kinesiology ultrasound: an observational study

• Published in: Fisioterapia em movimento 2024, Vol.37
• Main Authors: Andreazza, Marimar Goretti, Binotto, Cristiane Nogueira, Cavalcante da Silva, Regina P. G. Vieira, Valderramas, Silvia, Lima, Monica Nunes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ORTHOPEDICS; REHABILITATION
• ISSN: 1980-5918; 1980-5918
• DOI: 10.1590/fm.2024.37107

Abstract Introduction The study of the diaphragm muscle has aroused the interest of physiotherapists who work with kinesiological ultrasonography, but still little explored; however, its findings can contribute to the clinical practice of hospitalized patients in neonatal intensive care units. Objective To measure the excursion and thickening of the diaphragm and describe measurements among neonates, preterm, and full-term. Methods Diaphragmatic kinesiological ultrasonography was performed on hospitalized newborns, in Neonatal Unit Care Unit, placed in supine position in their own bed, on the sixth day of life. Three repeated measurements of the same respiratory cycle were made, both for excursion and for diaphragmatic thickening. Results 37 newborns participated in the study and 25 were premature. The mean weight at the time of collection was 2,307.0 ± 672.76 grams and the gestational age was 35.7 ± 3.3 weeks. Diaphragmatic excursion increased with increasing gestational age (p = 0.01, df = 0.21) in term infants (p = 0.17, df = 0.35). Conclusion There was a positive correlation between diaphragmatic excursion and gestational age. There was no statistically significant difference in the measurements of excursion and inspiratory diaphragm thickening between preterm and term newborns, although pointing to higher measurements in the latter group. Resumo Introdução O estudo do músculo diafragma tem des-pertado o interesse dos fisioterapeutas que trabalham com ultrassonografia cinesiológica. Ainda pouco explo-rado, contudo, seus achados podem contribuir para a prática clínica dos pacientes internados em unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal (UTIN). Objetivo Mensurar a excursão e o espessamento diafragmático e descrever as medidas entre recém-nascidos prematuros e a termo. Métodos Realizou-se ultrassonografia cinesiológica diafragmática em recém-nascidos internados em UTIN, posicionados em supino em seu próprio leito, no sexto dia de vida. Foram realizadas três medidas repetidas do mesmo ciclo respiratório, tanto da excursão quanto do espessamento diafragmático. Resultados Participaram do estudo 37 recém-nascidos, dos quais 25 eram pre-maturos. O peso no momento da coleta foi de 2.307,0 ± 672,76 gramas e a idade gestacional foi de 35,7 ± 3,3 semanas. A excursão diafragmática aumentou de acordo com o aumento da idade gestacional (p = 0,01; df = 0,21). A espessura variou entre 0,10 e 0,16 cm durante a inspiração nos prematuros e entre 0,11 e 0,19 cm nos nascidos