[Lung ultrasound as a tool to guide the administration of surfactant in premature neonates].

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of lung ultrasound (LUS) to estimate the endotracheal tube (ETT) depth position during the Intubation-Surfactant-Extubation (INSURE) procedure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The ETT insertion depth was estimated using the weight (insertion depth (cm)=weight (kg)+5.5). After intubation two independent neonatologists using bilateral auscultation or LUS checked the ETT depth.

RESULTS: Twelve newborns with respiratory distress syndrome were included. In two cases LUS helped to correctly replace the ETT. All the patients progressed well, with normal x-ray and LUS before discharge.

CONCLUSIONS: LUS appears to be a safe and non-invasive technique and is useful in clinical situations were x-ray is not routinely performed, as it is fast and radiation free.