Ultrasound Assessment of Changes on the Lungs during Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Newborns with Low Body Weight
Abdullaiev R Ya, Sorochan AP, Voronzhev IA, Lysenko NS, Abdullaiev RR.
Abstract
Introduction: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common
pathology of premature newborns and one of the most common causes of
hospitalization in intensive care units, as well as mortality among them.
Aims of Study: To study the possibilities of ultrasound imaging
for respiratory distress syndrome of varying severity in premature newborns.
Patients and
Methods: Lung Ultrasound was
performed in 72 premature infants in whom an X-ray diagnosis of RDS was
established.
Results: In accordance with the radiological data of RDS I
degree diagnosed in 13 (18,1±4,5%) patients, RDS II degree – in 31 (43,0±5,8%),
RDS III degree – in 19 (26,4±5,2%) and RDS IV degree – in 9 (12,5±3,9%)
premature infants. The results of lung ultrasound and chest x-ray in the
diagnosis of stage I and IV RDS coincided in all cases. Moreover, the
correlation coefficient between them had a high degree (0.924 and 0.950,
respectively). Ultrasound revealed stage II RDS in 21 out of 31 preterm infants
diagnosed by radiography. By ultrasound of the lungs, stage III RDS was
diagnosed in 4 more premature infants than by X-ray (23 and 19).
Conclusions:
1. The integrated use of lung ultrasound and chest
X-ray significantly improves the quality of diagnosis and monitoring of lung
lesions in premature infants with RDS with a significant reduction in radiation
exposure to the patient.
2. Ultrasound is
particularly useful for monitoring established radiographic lung pathology (eg,
RDS, pneumonia) to reduce radiation exposure.