Lung Ultrasound score may be valid diagnostic tool for surfactant replacement therapy in Indian infants

A new study found that for surfactant replacement therapy in infants of 27-33 weeks gestational age, the Lung ultrasound score is a valid diagnostic tool. The study results were published in the European Journal of Pediatrics. 

Surfactant requirement in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has been traditionally based on Fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) criteria. Literature shows that lung ultrasound scores can predict the necessity for surfactants. As most of the studies originated in developed countries, researchers from Kolkata India, conducted a prospective diagnostic accuracy study to validate lung ultrasound score (LUS) for prediction of surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) in Indian infants of 27–33^6/7 weeks gestational age.  

The study was carried out in a level 3 neonatal care unit in India. Consecutively born preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were enrolled. 78 infants with RDS were included in the final analysis. Surfactant was administered if the oxygen requirement exceeded > 30%. Baseline characteristics, respiratory parameters, and lung ultrasound images were recorded soon after admission and compared between the surfactant and non-surfactant groups. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) and diagnostic accuracy of LUS were calculated for SRT.