Lung Ultrasound Reduces the Number of Chest x-rays in Newborns with Pneumothorax

AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the impact of lung ultrasonography as an imaging method used to diagnose and monitor newborns with symptomatic pneumothorax and to assess the risk factors for pneumothorax and the outcomes in newborns with symptomatic pneumothorax. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-centre retrospective study enrolled patients born after 32 weeks of gestation, with a diagnosis of pneumothorax in the first week of life. The 118 patients who were included in the study were divided into two groups. Group A (51 infants) comprised those children who were treated between 2007 and 2010, while group B (n=67) those from the years 2013 to 2016. The children from group A were monitored with repeated chest X-rays. Those from group B received repeated lung ultrasonography supported by chest X-ray in those cases where there was diagnostic uncertainty. Comparison was made between the groups with respect to pneumothorax risk factors, treatment methods and the use of imaging during the period of treatment. The statistical analysis used χ2, Mann-Whitney and Student’s t-tests. RESULTS: There were no significant demographic or clinical differences between the two groups. Both the use of nCPAP (nasal continuous positive airway pressure) (p<0.001) and diagnosed perinatal asphyxia (p=0.036) were higher in group B. Congenital pneumonia occurred more often in group A (p=0.041). Earlier detection of pneumothorax (p=0.001) and shorter hospital stay (p=0.03) were observed in group B. However, the total number of imaging (lung ultrasound and chest X-ray combined) was higher (p<0.001) in group B. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the usefulness of lung ultrasound in monitoring newborns with pneumothorax, moreover significantly limiting X-ray radiation.