The efficacy of lung ultrasound scores-directed pulmonary surfactant treatment in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome: a randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary surfactant therapy is critical for preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Lung ultrasound (LUS) offers a noninvasive, radiation-free alternative for assessing RDS severity and guiding surfactant therapy.

METHODS

Eighty-two preterm infants with RDS were randomized to receive surfactant based on either LUS scores or a conventional clinical-radiological assessment, comparing the duration of mechanical ventilation, supplemental oxygen need, NICU stay, incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and mortality.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of mechanical ventilation duration (average 4.1 vs. 4.3 days), supplemental oxygen need (average 5.7 vs. 6.1 days), or NICU stay (average 15.4 vs. 15.9 days). The incidence of BPD was 4.9% in both groups, and there were no deaths reported.

CONCLUSIONS

LUS-directed surfactant treatment did not show significant difference compared to the traditional methods, suggesting its potential as a noninvasive alternative for RDS management in preterm infants.