Lung ultrasound score for prediction of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in newborns: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) ranks among preterm infants' most common and severe respiratory diseases. Lung ultrasound scores (LUS) play a vital role in predicting early BPD and guiding treatment and intervention strategies for affected patients.

OBJECTIVE

Performed a meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic LUS for newborns with BPD.

METHODS

Online electronic databases such as MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were used to retrieve relevant research until May 2023. A total of 117 literatures were collected, and ten eligible articles were selected for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis was performed on 10 studies (1274 neonates). LUS at 7 days after birth (7 days of life, DOL 7) showed good diagnostic accuracy for any type of BPD, moderate and severe BPD. DOL 7 was more accurate in predicting all types of BPD (AUC = 0.87, sensitivity = 0.75, specificity = 0.83) than moderate and severe BPD (AUC = 0.80, sensitivity = 0.69, specificity = 0.79). There was no statistical significance between DOL 7 and DOL 14 in their accuracy for predicting all types of BPD (difference in AUC = 0.04, p= 0.068). There was no notable distinction between DOL 7 and DOL 14 in their accuracy for predicting moderate and severe BPD (difference in AUC =-0.04, p= 0.104).

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic efficacy of LUS on DOL 7 in predicting the occurrence of all types of BDP and moderate-severe BPD is determined. This will facilitate rapid and accurate detection and timely treatment, thereby reducing the risk of neonatal mortality and sequelae.