The role of three-dimensional ultrasonography fetal lung volume measurement in the prediction of neonatal respiratory function outcome

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2019 Feb;32(4):660-665. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1387898. Epub 2017 Oct 12.

Abstract

Background: Respiratory distress is commonly encountered among premature babies immediately after birth resulting in significant neonatal morbidity or mortality.

Objectives: To evaluate the possible correlation between three dimensional fetal lung volumes (FLVs) and neonatal respiratory outcomes.

Study design: A cohort study included 100 pregnant women who participated in the study and were divided into two groups; group A (n: 50 - women pregnant ±34-37 weeks) and group B (n: 50 - women pregnant ±37+1 to 40 weeks). A three dimensional measurement of the right fetal lung was made using virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) software then correlated to neonatal respiratory functions namely Apgar score at birth and the occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Results: In group A, FLV was negatively correlated with Apgar score and the occurrence of RDS. In group B, FLV showed no statistical correlation with Apgar score and the occurrence of RDS.

Conclusions: Three dimensional fetal lung volumes might be an accurate noninvasive predictor for the development of RDS among preterm fetuses.

Keywords: Lung volume; VOCAL; respiratory distress syndrome.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apgar Score*
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Lung Volume Measurements / methods*
  • Lung* / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung* / embryology
  • Pregnancy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / diagnostic imaging*
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Software
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / methods*
  • Young Adult