The value of bedside Lung Ultrasonography in diagnosis of neonatal pneumonia

PurposeThe aim of this prospective study was to assess lung ultrasonography as an alternative to bedside radiography for the diagnosis of neonatal pneumonia.Patients & methodsThe study was performed on 75 neonates admitted during the period from October 2011 to October 2012 in the NICU of Cairo University Pediatric Hospital presenting with clinical picture of pneumonia. Chest X-rays and lung US were done.ResultsChest X-ray findings denoting lung infections were present in 64 cases (85.3%), and the remaining 11 cases (14.6%) had a free chest X-ray. Ultrasonography revealed pneumonic patches in 68 patients (90.6%), 7 (9.3%) had free US scans. US and chest X-rays detected pneumonic patches in 64 cases (85.3%), US detected pneumonic patches in 18 cases (24%) with chest X-rays having signs of chest infections other than pneumonic patches and in 4 cases (5.3%) with clear chest X-rays.ConclusionBedside lung ultrasonography is highly sensitive, specific, and reproducible for ruling out underlying pneumonic process as well as in early detection and follow up of possible complications and can be considered an attractive alternative to bedside chest radiography and thoracic computed tomography with minimal radiation exposure.