TOP 31 - Using Lung Ultrasound for Predicting Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Neonates

Publication Number: 1791.TOP 31

Miral Mehyar, University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine, Texas City, TX, United States; Mazen Al-Nabelsi, University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine, Galveston, TX, United States; Laura Courtney, University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine, Galveston, TX, United States; Maria E. Franco-Fuenmayor, University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine, Galveston, TX, United States

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains one of the most significant complications of prematurity, leading to short and long-term morbidities, including respiratory and neurodevelopmental impairment. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a non-invasive, real-time diagnostic tool used to evaluate pulmonary aeration. Prior studies suggest that serial LUS may help predict BPD severity by quantifying lung aeration and consolidation.

Objective: To determine whether serial LUS examinations can predict the development and severity of BPD in preterm neonates born at ≤32 weeks' gestation. Secondary objectives include assessing associations between LUS findings and early clinical interventions such as caffeine administration, surfactant administration, and oxygen requirements (including home oxygen), as well as maternal and perinatal factors such as antenatal steroid exposure, chorioamnionitis, duration of membrane rupture, maternal diabetes or preeclampsia, mode of delivery, demographic characteristics, and neonatal variables such as gestational age and birth weight.

Design/Methods: This is a prospective cohort study enrolling preterm neonates ≤32 weeks' gestation admitted to the NICU. To date, 18 infants have been enrolled with serial LUS examinations conducted on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 of life using a standardized scanning approach that includes anterior and lateral lung fields. Each field is scored based on aeration and consolidation patterns in LUS scoring as described in the literature. Exclusion criteria include congenital or genetic anomalies, pneumothorax, or pleural effusion at the time of enrollment. LUS scores will be correlated with BPD diagnosis and severity in accordance with Jensen criteria. Data will be analyzed using SPSS and will include descriptive statistics for AUC for diagnostic accuracy and logistic regression analysis.

Patient Demographics and Clinical Characteristics (n=18)


Comparison of Average LUS Scores Between Infants With and Without BPD
*BPD status known for 13 neonates; 5 remain under evaluation.