Ultrasound Scoring System for Assessment of Fetal Lung Maturity and its Comparison with Neonatal Outcome

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome significantly leads to neonatal mortality worldwide. Noninvasive methods to assess fetal lung maturity are essential, particularly in preterm deliveries.Aim: This study aimed to introduce an ultrasound scoring system to evaluate fetal lung maturity and compare it with neonatal outcomes.Methods: This Prospective investigation has been performed on 4000 pregnant preterm or term cases and was chosen randomly. Ultrasound of these cases has been performed in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology El-Sayed Galal University Hospital.Results: Placental grading significantly correlated with fetal lung maturity (P = 0.001), achieving 80% accuracy. Sensitivities of fetal epiphyseal ossification centers (DFE: 84%, PTE: 94%) and total ultrasound score (95%) were high, though specificities varied. Raised At/ET ratios in the fetal pulmonary artery were related to RDS development. Mean APGAR scores at one and five minutes were 5 ± 0.2 and 5.5 ± 0.71, respectively. NICU admission was required in 8.95% of cases, with a mortality rate of 0.75%.Conclusion: Ultrasound scoring gives a reliable, noninvasive technique for assessing fetal lung maturity, correlating well with neonatal outcomes. Fetal pulmonary artery Doppler is particularly effective in predicting RDS risk.