Role of Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Neonatal Respiratory Distress

Background: Respiratory distress is a commonly observed disorder in newborn. Recognizing respiratory distress is not difficult, but investigating the etiology and starting the proper management can be challenging. Chest x ray and CT were the main diagnostic tools but they suffer from obvious limitations. Ultrasound has become an important method for examination and monitoring of lung pathology, has many advantages over X-ray and CT scan. We aim to study the lung ultrasound findings in neonatal respiratory disorders and find its advantage as regard feasibility and sensitivity. Methods: Cross section study include108 neonates admitted to Zagazig University Nicu due to respiratory distress .Degree of respiratory distress assessed by Siverman- Andersen scoring. infants examined by Chest x ray and chest ultrasound. Results :There is statistically significant relation between degree of respiratory distress and some lung ultrasound finding . pneumonia was the most common cause of respiratory disstress at our Nicu .as regard ultrasound findings in prediction of pneumonia Our result showed absent multiple B line can predict pneumonia with sensitivity 79.7%, specificity 61.4%, Improvement in chest ultrasound findings can predict need to wean with sensitivity 89.2%, specificity 85.4% and accuracy 88% . Conclusion :LUS is a reliable, accurate, safe modality for repeated monitoring of pulmonary disorders in neonates. with a good sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing and following up common respiratory diseases at least as accurate as chest x-ray. Concomitant use of clinical findings, laboratory investigations with LUS might reduce the need for repeated CXR and markedly reduce the ionizing radiation .