Lung Ultrasound as an Emerging Tool for Monitoring Critically Ill Infants among Neonates

Background: Lung ultrasound (LUS) is becoming a crucial tool in the clinical management of newborn babies. The aim of this study to assess the accuracy of bedside lung ultrasound for early detection and early treatment of critically ill infants as pneumonia, atelectasis and pulmonary hemorrhage in comparison with chest X-ray. Methods: From December 2023 to November 2024, 50 neonates with a confirmed diagnosis of pneumonia, atelectasis, or pulmonary hemorrhage were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Pediatrics Department at Benha University Hospital in Benha, Egypt. This cross-sectional study was conducted. All patients underwent a comprehensive history-taking, thorough clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and radiological chest evaluation by X-ray and ultrasound. Subsequently, a precise comparison of the findings was conducted. Results: This study included 50 neonates; 26 males and 24 females, their mean gestational age was 37±2 weeks, The most common diagnosis was pneumonia (58%), followed by atelectasis (28%), then pulmonary hemorrhage (14%). There was no statistical difference between chest X ray and lung US regarding their diagnostic ability in patients with pneumonia and pneumothorax. However, Lung Us had statistically higher diagnostic ability in patients with pleural effusion, atelectasis and pulmonary hemorrhage compared to chest X ray. Conclusion: LUS had statistically higher diagnostic ability in patients with pleural effusion, atelectasis and pulmonary hemorrhage compared to chest X ray. Repetitive bedside operation is easy, and radiation exposure is avoided. Intensive care unit doctors and nurses should learn LUS and spread the word.