Trajectory of lung ultrasound scores in preterm infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a prospective observational study

Objective : To quantify the trajectory of lung ultrasound scores (LUSSc) and estimate its association on inpatient respiratory trajectories in preterm infants with potentially evolving bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) Study Design : We measured LUSSc prospectively in infants < 32 weeks’ gestation weekly from 2 weeks of life through 44 weeks’ post-menstrual age (PMA) or discharge. The primary outcome was the age, in PMA, to achieve liberation of respiratory support (LRS) defined as room air or < 1 L/min (F _i O ₂ = 100%). Result : In 16 infants, 10 patients had Grade 2-3 BPD, and LUSSc declined over time. The time to achieve LRS was 43 weeks’ PMA (SD 12.5). Using the maximum LUSSc each infant had between 30-32 weeks’ PMA, each 1-point increase in the LUSSc was independently associated with a 12-day increase in the time to achieve LRS. Conclusion : LUSSc may serve as a diagnostic marker for inpatient respiratory trajectories of preterm infants with evolving BPD.