Ultrasound could provide early diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome

by Wendy Despain

Lung ultrasound exams reliably detect respiratory distress syndrome in premature neonates and could be used as a radiation-free method for diagnosis and guidance for treatment.

Respiratory distress syndrome occurs primarily in premature infants whose lungs haven't matured enough to produce surfactant, which keeps lung tissues from sticking together. Early treatment is usually the most beneficial.

Clinical indications such as low blood oxygen levels and shallow breathing provide clues, but the current standard diagnostic test for respiratory distress syndrome is chest x-ray. Previous studies have examined ultrasound's diagnostic value, but they used a transabdominal cross-section through the liver and spleen.

article - Diagnostic Imaging