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Updated: May 14, 2026

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
06:15

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus

Published on: March 6, 2019

[New challenges for prevention of premature birth-associated respiratory distress]

Mikko Hallman1

  • 1OYS, lasten ja nuorten klinikka ja Oulun yliopisto, kliinisen lääketieteen laitos, lastentaudit.

Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja
|February 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Antenatal glucocorticoids reduce respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) risk in preterm infants. However, extremely preterm infants still face risks of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neurodevelopmental disorders, requiring further research for prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Developmental Biology
  • Perinatal Health

Context:

  • Antenatal glucocorticoid treatment is a key intervention for preterm infants, reducing respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
  • Elective term deliveries before 39 weeks gestation are linked to increased RDS risk.
  • Despite improved survival for extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks), risks for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and neurodevelopmental disorders persist.

Purpose:

  • To review the benefits of antenatal glucocorticoids in preventing preterm infant diseases.
  • To highlight the ongoing risks of BPD and neurodevelopmental disorders in extremely preterm infants.
  • To emphasize the need for further research into the prevention of diseases and very premature births.

Summary:

  • Antenatal glucocorticoids effectively decrease the risk of RDS and other developmental issues in preterm neonates.
  • Planned term deliveries before 39 weeks gestation are associated with a higher incidence of RDS.
  • While survival rates for extremely preterm infants have improved, the risks of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neurodevelopmental disorders (cerebral palsy, retinopathy of prematurity, cognitive impairments) remain significant, indicating underlying growth and differentiation disorders.

Impact:

  • Highlights the critical role of antenatal glucocorticoids in neonatal care.
  • Identifies specific developmental disorders that require targeted prevention strategies.
  • Underscores the necessity for continued basic research to improve outcomes for very preterm infants and prevent extremely preterm births.

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