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International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
05:50

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure

Published on: March 12, 2020

Prevalence and factors associated with thoracic alterations in infants born prematurely

Josy Davidson1, Kessey Maria B Garcia, Liu C Yi

  • 1Neonatal Division of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|December 20, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Thoracic musculoskeletal alterations are common in premature infants. These changes are linked to lung conditions like respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, as well as a low length-to-age ratio.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Musculoskeletal Health
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Premature infants often experience developmental challenges.
  • Thoracic musculoskeletal alterations can impact respiratory function and overall growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of thoracic musculoskeletal alterations in premature infants.
  • To identify factors associated with these alterations in the first year of life.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of infants born prematurely (birth weight < 2,000 g).
  • Physical examinations by two independent physiotherapists assessed thoracic retractions and shoulder elevation.
  • Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses identified associated factors.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of thoracic alterations: 66.9% and 68.6% detected by two physiotherapists (kappa = 0.77).
  • Associated factors included respiratory distress syndrome (OR=3.25), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR=11.14), and low length/age ratio (OR=4.57).

Conclusions:

  • Thoracic musculoskeletal alterations are highly prevalent in premature infants.
  • Pulmonary disease and a low length/age ratio are significantly associated with these alterations.
Abstract

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