Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2025
Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Comparison of Pulmonary Maturation Differences Among Black and White Infants: A Scoping Review
Desi Michele Newberry1, Nicole Brady, Nikki Briskin
1Author Affiliations: School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (Dr Newberry, Mrs Brady, Ms Briskin, Mrs Graham, Ms Leonard); UNC Neonatology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Dr Newberry); Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina (Dr Newberry); Duke University Medical Center Library, Durham, North Carolina (Ms Ledbetter); and School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Dr Robertson Bell).
Insights
Racial bias in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) persists, with assumptions about better outcomes for infants of color. This study found race itself doesn't impact pulmonary maturation, but disparities linked to race do affect infant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Perinatal Health
- Health Disparities Research
Background:
- Investigates persistent bias in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) suggesting infants of color have superior outcomes compared to White infants.
- Examines the underlying assumption of perceived differences in pulmonary maturation between Black and White infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of respiratory morbidity in Black versus White infants.
- To determine if significant differences in pulmonary maturation exist between these groups.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases.
- Rigorous study selection process adhering to PRISMA guidelines, involving independent review and adjudication.
- Citation tracking and full-text review for data extraction.
Main Results:
- While differences in outcomes between Black and White infants were observed, race alone was not identified as a causal factor in pulmonary maturation.
- Observed outcome differences are potentially attributable to broader health disparities influenced by race.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers must recognize and address implicit biases concerning neonatal lung development.
- Further research is crucial to inform policy changes, promote equitable healthcare, and reduce infant mortality and morbidity.
Background:
Bias exists that infants of color have better outcomes in the neonatal intensive care unit compared to White infants. These presumptions stem from perceived differences in pulmonary maturation between Black and White infants.
Purpose:
To compare the incidence of respiratory morbidity in Black and White infants, and to identify if pulmonary maturation differences exist.
Data Sources:
Databases included MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), and Web of Science (Clarivate).
Study Selection:
All identified studies were uploaded into Covidence. A total of 2124 citations were screened in the abstract phase. Study selection was carried out independently by 2 authors and excluded if did not meet inclusion criteria. Disagreements were resolved by adjudication by third reviewer. Article selection presented by flowchart as per PRISMA guidelines.
Data Extraction:
A citation tracking system was used to identify relevant studies included in the full text review.
Results:
Though differences among Black and White infants were present, it was not found that race alone had a causal impact on an infant's pulmonary maturation, but rather that these differences in outcomes could be related to health disparities impacted by race.
Implications For Practice And Research:
As providers driving care and making treatment decisions for neonatal patients, we must be aware of our implicit biases regarding neonatal lung development. Additional research is essential to drive policy change and ensure equitable healthcare and reduce infant mortality and morbidity.
