[Lung ultrasound as a tool to guide the administration of surfactant in premature neonates].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of lung ultrasound (LUS) to estimate the endotracheal tube (ETT) depth position during the Intubation-Surfactant-Extubation (INSURE) procedure.


METHODS
The ETT insertion depth was estimated using the weight (insertion depth (cm)=weight (kg)+5.5). After intubation two independent neonatologists using bilateral auscultation or LUS checked the ETT depth.


RESULTS
Twelve newborns with respiratory distress syndrome were included. In two cases LUS helped to correctly replace the ETT. All the patients progressed well, with normal x-ray and LUS before discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
LUS appears to be a safe and non-invasive technique and is useful in clinical situations were x-ray is not routinely performed, as it is fast and radiation free.
Servicio de Neonatología, ICGON, BCNatal, Hospital Clínic-Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues de Llobregat, España. Electronic address: jrodriguezf@hsjdbcn.org.
J
J
Rodríguez-Fanjul
Servicio de Neonatología, ICGON, BCNatal, Hospital Clínic-Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues de Llobregat, España.
C
C
Balcells Esponera
Servicio de Neonatología, ICGON, BCNatal, Hospital Clínic-Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues de Llobregat, España.
J
J
Moreno Hernando
Servicio de Cardiología Pediátrica. Hospital Clínic-Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues de Llobregat, España.
G
G
Sarquella-Brugada
D060666:Airway Extubation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000379:methods*; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants
Ecografía pulmonar; Lung ultrasound; Neonatos prematuros; Premature newborns; Surfactant; Surfactante