Radiographic Evaluation of Neonatal Respiratory Distress: Cross-Sectional Study on Chest X-ray Findings in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Authors

  • Sundar Suwal Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Shailendra Katwal Dadeldhura Subregional Hospital, Dadeldhura, Nepal
  • Pravin Sah Janakpur Provincial Hospital, Janakpur, Nepal
  • Ghanshyam Gurung Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Suman Lamichhane Nepal A.P.F Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Prajwal Dhakal Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/njr.v14i1.64624

Keywords:

Lung, Pleural Effusion, Radiation Exposure, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Tomography

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal Respiratory distress (NRD) is a common reason for admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). While clinical diagnosis is essential, imaging evaluation can help confirm lung lesions, their extent, and associated abnormalities. However, radiation exposure from imaging modalities such as Computed Tomography (CT) and Chest X-ray (CXR) is a concern, particularly for neonates. This study aims to identify the various CXR findings in neonates with respiratory distress in the NICU.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on 59 neonates with respiratory distress in the NICU from November 2019 to November 2020. Ethical clearance was obtained, and data were collected through portable CXR. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and Statistical Package of Social Services (SPSS) IBM version 23.

Results: CXR findings of 59 neonates with a mean age of 15.9 ± 7.4 days were evaluated. The majority were premature neonates, and the most common clinical diagnosis was respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Hypoaeration was the most common finding in lung fields, followed by normal aeration. Parenchymal changes were observed in most cases, with reticulations/haziness being the most common, followed by consolidation. Pleural effusion was seen in a few cases, predominantly in preterm neonates with RDS.

Conclusions: The study underscores the prevalence of hypoaeration, reticulations, and consolidations in NICU patients with RDS, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and future research in neonatal chest imaging for respiratory distress.

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Author Biographies

Sundar Suwal, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Assistant Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging

Shailendra Katwal, Dadeldhura Subregional Hospital, Dadeldhura, Nepal

Consultant Radiologist, Department of Radiology

Pravin Sah, Janakpur Provincial Hospital, Janakpur, Nepal

Consultant Radiologist, Department of Radiology

Ghanshyam Gurung, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging

Suman Lamichhane, Nepal A.P.F Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Consultant Radiologist, Department of Radiology

Prajwal Dhakal, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging

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Published

2024-04-25

How to Cite

Suwal, S., Katwal, S., Sah, P., Gurung, G., Lamichhane, S., & Dhakal, P. (2024). Radiographic Evaluation of Neonatal Respiratory Distress: Cross-Sectional Study on Chest X-ray Findings in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Nepalese Journal of Radiology, 14(1), 10–15. https://doi.org/10.3126/njr.v14i1.64624

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Original Articles