Lung ultrasonography in evaluation of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

Objectives To evaluate diagnostic ability of lung ultrasonography (LUS) in detection of pulmonary manifestations of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome as well as follow up the response to treatments. Patients and methods One hundred neonates with clinical and radiographic signs of respiratory distress (RDS) were included in this prospective study. LUS was done using both a transthoracic and a transabdominal approach within the first 24 h of life and after that for detection of pulmonary manifestations and follow up the response to treatment. LUS findings were compared with chest radiography findings. Results In comparison with chest X-ray the LUS had sensitivity 98% and specificity 92% in detection of pulmonary manifestations of RDS. In follow up to response of treatment the LUS had 100% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Conclusion The LUS can be an alternative diagnostic imaging modality for chest X-ray in follow up neonates with RDS and subsequent reduction dose of radiation.