Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the utility of lung ultrasound (LUS) with whole chest
scanning for predicting respiratory outcomes in patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
(BPD).
Study Design We performed a prospective observational study. Preterm infants of less than 32 weeks'
gestational age requiring oxygen therapy at 28 days of life were included. LUS was
performed on day 28, at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age, and at the time of discharge.
Each lung was divided into three regions by the anterior and posterior axillary lines
and received an LUS score of 0 to 3 points; the total score was obtained by adding
the six regional scores. The classification of BPD was determined based on the National
Institute of Child and Human Development. The outcomes of this study were the development
of moderate-to-severe BPD and the need for home oxygen therapy (HOT).
Results We enrolled 87 patients; 39, 33, and 15 infants had mild, moderate, and severe BPD,
respectively. The LUS score correlated with BPD severity and exhibited an improvement
trend with time toward the point of discharge. LUS at 28 days of life predicted moderate-to-severe
BPD with an area under the curve of 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.91–0.99) and
HOT with an area under the curve of 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.81–1.0).
Conclusion LUS with whole chest scanning is useful for predicting respiratory outcomes in patients
with BPD, as well as for understanding BPD severity or clinical improvement trends.
Key Points
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LUS predicts respiratory outcomes in patients with BPD.
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LUS indicates BPD severity.
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LUS can show clinical improvement with time.
Keywords
bronchopulmonary dysplasia - lung - neonatal intensive care unit - point-of-care ultrasound
- preterm infant
