Early assessment of lung aeration using an ultrasound score as a biomarker of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a prospective observational study

J Perinatol. 2021 Jan;41(1):62-68. doi: 10.1038/s41372-020-0724-z. Epub 2020 Jul 14.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the predictive value of a lung ultrasound (LUS) score in the development of moderate-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (sBPD). This was a prospective observational diagnostic accuracy study in a third-level neonatal intensive care unit. Preterm infants with a gestational age below 32 weeks were included. A LUS score (range 0-24 points) was calculated by assessing aeration semiquantitatively (0-3 points) in eight lung zones on the 7th day of life (DOL) and repeated on the 28th DOL. ROC curves and logistic regression were used for analysis. Forty-two preterm infants were included. The LUS on the 7th DOL had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.87-1) for the prediction of sBPD (optimal cutoff of ≥8 points: sensitivity 93%, specificity 91%). The LUS score was independently associated with sBPD [OR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.1-3.9), p = 0.022, for each additional point in the score]. Conclusions: Lung aeration as assessed by LUS on the 7th DOL may predict the development of sBPD.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Prospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Biomarkers