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

Abstract

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.