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Updated: May 2, 2026
State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
Imaging of medical disease of the newborn lung
1Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Insights
Surfactant deficiency in premature infants is treatable with exogenous surfactant and corticosteroids, improving survival. Advances also aid in managing persistent pulmonary hypertension and other serious neonatal lung conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Critical Care
Background:
- Surfactant deficiency is a primary cause of respiratory distress in premature infants.
- Advances in neonatal care have significantly improved outcomes for premature infants.
- Persistent pulmonary hypertension and other lung conditions pose significant challenges in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding and management of common and uncommon pulmonary conditions in neonates.
- To highlight the impact of therapeutic interventions on neonatal respiratory diseases.
- To emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment for optimal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on neonatal pulmonary diseases.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies for surfactant deficiency and persistent pulmonary hypertension.
- Discussion of diagnostic approaches for various neonatal respiratory conditions.
Main Results:
- Exogenous surfactant and corticosteroid therapy have improved survival and reduced morbidity in premature infants with surfactant deficiency.
- High-frequency ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide, and ECMO are effective in treating persistent pulmonary hypertension.
- Prompt management of infection, atelectasis, and air leaks is crucial for patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Modern therapeutic interventions have transformed the management of neonatal pulmonary diseases.
- Accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are essential for addressing complex respiratory issues in neonates.
- Ongoing research and clinical advancements continue to improve the prognosis for infants with lung conditions.
Abstract:
Surfactant deficiency remains the most common and serious pulmonary affliction of premature infants. Exogenous surfactant and corticosteroid administration have had a major impact in improving survival and morbidity in this disease with consequent alterations in the clinical and radiographic course. Chronic lung disease, although still common, is usually less severe than previously, especially in larger infants. Significant therapeutic strides in treating persistent pulmonary hypertension with or without meconium aspiration have been the use of high-frequency ventilators, inhaled nitric oxide, and ECMO. Prompt recognition and treatment of infection, atelectasis, and air leak whether primary or secondary are important to overall outcome. Less common pulmonary conditions, such as lymphangiectasia, pulmonary hypoplasia, and alveolar proteinosis, may initially masquerade as more common lesions. Persistent pulmonary hypertension is often the initial diagnosis and part of the clinical problem. Attention must be paid to the clinical and radiographic appearance and excursion of the thoracic cage because deformities and malformations may be the cause of respiratory problems.
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