Stoicescu Emil Robert, Iacob Roxana, Ilie Adrian Cosmin, Iacob Emil Radu, Susa Septimiu Radu, Ghenciu Laura Andreea, Constantinescu Amalia, Cocolea Daiana Marina, Oancea Cristian, Manolescu Diana Luminita
Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
Diagnostics (Basel). 2024 Feb 23;14(5):480. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics14050480.
This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the utility of lung ultrasound (LUS) in diagnosing and managing pediatric respiratory infections, specifically focusing on viral, bacterial, and SARS-CoV-2 infections. Conducted over a period of 1 year and 8 months, this research involved 85 pediatric patients (showcasing a median age of 14 months) recruited based on specific criteria, including age, confirmed infection through multiplex PCR tests, and willingness to undergo LUS imaging. This study employed a 12-area scoring system for LUS examinations, utilizing the lung ultrasound score (LUSS) to evaluate lung abnormalities. The PCR examination results reveal diverse respiratory pathogens, with SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and bacterial co-infections being prominent among the cases. As an observational study, this study was not registered in the registry. Distinct LUS patterns associated with different pathogens were identified, showcasing the discriminatory potential of LUS in differentiating between viral and bacterial etiologies. Bacterial infections demonstrated more severe lung involvement, evident in significantly higher LUSS values compared with viral cases ( < 0.0001). The specific abnormalities found in bacterial superinfection can be integrated into diagnostic and management protocols for pediatric respiratory infections. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into optimizing LUS as a diagnostic tool in pediatric pneumonia, facilitating more informed and tailored healthcare decisions.
这项前瞻性观察性研究旨在探讨肺部超声（LUS）在诊断和管理儿童呼吸道感染中的效用，特别关注病毒、细菌和SARS-CoV-2感染。该研究历时1年8个月，纳入了85名符合特定标准的儿科患者（中位年龄为14个月），这些标准包括年龄、通过多重PCR检测确诊感染以及愿意接受LUS成像检查。本研究采用12区评分系统进行LUS检查，利用肺部超声评分（LUSS）评估肺部异常情况。PCR检查结果显示出多种呼吸道病原体，其中SARS-CoV-2、流感和细菌合并感染较为突出。作为一项观察性研究，该研究未在注册机构进行注册。研究确定了与不同病原体相关的独特LUS模式，显示出LUS在区分病毒和细菌病因方面的鉴别潜力。细菌感染表现出更严重的肺部受累，与病毒感染病例相比，LUSS值显著更高（<0.0001）。在细菌重叠感染中发现的特定异常情况可纳入儿童呼吸道感染的诊断和管理方案。总体而言，本研究为优化LUS作为儿童肺炎诊断工具提供了有价值的见解，有助于做出更明智、更具针对性的医疗决策。
