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. Objectives: 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.

Keywords:
Lung ultrasound, Respiratory distress syndrome, Neonate
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
2008
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.