Role of Lung Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Follow-up of Neonatal Respiratory Disorders

Abstract

espiratory distress is one of the most common problems neonates encounter within the first few days of life. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 10% of neonates need some assistance to begin breathing at birth, with up to 1% requiring extensive resuscitation. Other reports confirm that respiratory distress is common in neonates and occurs in approximately 7% of babies during the neonatal period. Respiratory disorders are the leading cause of early neonatal mortality (0–7 days of age), as well as the leading cause of morbidity in newborn, and are the most frequent cause of admission to the special care nursery for both term and preterm infants In fact, neonates with respiratory distress are 2–4 times more likely to die than neonates without respiratory distress In the United States, the mortality of neonatal respiratory failure is approximately 11%, and the rate can go up to 32% in China (Hui et al., 2018; Leigh et al., 2017). Respiratory disorders like Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) are the most frequent causes of respiratory distress. Pneumothorax, amniotic fluid aspiration, pneumonia, pulmonary hemorrhage, pleural effusions, congenital lobar emphysema, and diaphragmatic hernias are also lung conditions that lead to respiratory distress in the early neonatal period (Liu et al., 2014; Wood & Thomas, 2015).