The role of lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates

Objectives: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) poses a significant challenge in neonatal care. This study evaluates the efficacy of lung ultrasound (LUS) in diagnosing RDS in preterm neonates at a tertiary care teaching hospital neonatal intensive care unit. Material and Methods: An 18-month observational study enrolled 200 preterm neonates with respiratory distress. LUS was performed bedside by a single expert. Data included demographic details, maternal history, clinical parameters and outcomes. Results: LUS showed high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing RDS, surpassing chest X-rays. Specific features such as bilateral white lung and B-lines correlated with RDS severity. LUS emerges as a non-invasive, cost-effective and radiation-free tool for RDS diagnosis. It outperforms traditional imaging modalities in detecting RDS-related complications. Conclusion: LUS is a valuable adjunct in diagnosing and monitoring RDS in preterm neonates, offering real-time assessment and guiding interventions.