Lung ultrasound in respiratory distress syndrome: a useful tool for early diagnosis.
BACKGROUND
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a severe form of neonatal respiratory distress which occurs almost exclusively in premature infants. At present, the diagnosis is based on radiological findings and clinical course. Lung ultrasound in RDS has not yet been fully assessed.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to define the ultrasonographic appearance of RDS and evaluate its clinical relevance.


METHODS
Lung sonography was performed in 40 newborn infants with radiological and clinical signs of RDS (mean gestational age 27.2 +/- 2.7 weeks, mean birth weight 1,057 +/- 361 g) and in 15 preterm infants without RDS (mean gestational age 30.4 +/- 3.4 weeks, mean birth weight 1,775 +/- 669 g).


RESULTS
In all the studied infants with RDS, lung ultrasound consistently showed generalized alveolar-interstitial syndrome (echographic 'white lung'), pleural line abnormalities (small subpleural consolidations, thickening, irregularity and coarse appearance) and an absence of areas with a normal pattern ('spared areas'). When presented simultaneously, these signs identify RDS with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%.


CONCLUSIONS
We found that lung ultrasound is a reliable tool in the diagnosis of RDS. We speculate that it may be considered as a screening method for the diagnosis of RDS, and for early administration of surfactant in preterm infants with respiratory distress.
Copetti
Roberto
R
Emergency and Pediatric Departments, S. Antonio Abate Hospital, Tolmezzo, Italy. robcopet@tin.it
Cattarossi
Luigi
L
Macagno
Franco
F
Violino
Marco
M
Furlan
Riccardo
R
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000379:methods; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography