ACCURACY OF LUNG ULTRASOUND TO DIAGNOSE TRANSIENT TACHYPNEA OF NEWBORN

Abstract

Objective: To find out the accuracy of lung ultrasound to diagnose transient tachypnea in neonates

Methodology: Cross-sectional study at Neonatology Department, Sadiq Abbasi (Civil) Hospital Bahawalpur from January 2019 to October 2022 and comprised of neonates diagnosed as transient tachypnea of newborn admitted and were divided into 2 groups based on Chest radiograph findings comparable to each other in demographics. Lung Ultrasonography examinations were performed in all patients in a peaceful condition. Each lung was split up in three zones bounded by anterior axillary and posterior axillary lines as anterior, posterior and lateral. Lung Ultrasonography results compared with CXR findings. 

Results: Out of 148, Lung Ultrasonography diagnosed transient tachypnea of newborn in 74% while Chest radiograph was suggestive in 39% however, Lung Ultrasonography was also diagnosed i.e. 61% transient tachypnea of newborn in neonates having normal Chest radiograph examination. The commonest Lung Ultrasonography indexes of transient tachypnea of newborn were A-lines abnormalities 100%, B-lines abnormalities 94.5 %, interstitial syndromes 81.6%, white lungs 36.6%, double lung point 86.77%, consolidation 21% and pleural effusions 10%. The sensitivity of LUS to diagnose transient tachypnea of newborn was 86.5% and the sensitivity and the specificity of Double Lung Point to diagnose transient tachypnea of newborn were 92.2% and 80% respectively.

 Conclusion: Lung Ultrasonography is a noninvasive way of bedside neonatal examination. It has analytic value to diagnose lung disease in neonates but also helps in differentiation of different lung diseases with no radiation hazard.

Keywords: Neonatology, Fetal lung fluid, transient tachypnea of newborn, Dyspnea, Neonatal Lung Ultrasound