Ultrasonographic Fetal Lung Texture Analysis in the Prediction of Neonatal Respiratory Morbidity

Respiratory complications are a significant cause of newborn morbidity. The objective of this study was to determine if ultrasonographic fetal lung echotexture analysis can predict respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). This prospective cohort study included 370 singleton gestations that delivered from 34 and 0 to 38 and 6 weeks of gestation. Combined RDS or TTN occurred in 16.8% of neonates. Fetal lung echotexture was modestly predictive of RDS and combined RDS or TTN in late preterm gestations and may be a useful adjunctive tool in neonatal respiratory morbidity prediction.