Evaluation of the relationship of fetal lung elastography values with the development of postpartum respiratory distress in late preterm labor cases

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between fetal lung elastography values and the development of postpartum respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in late preterm neonates.

Methods: A total of 88 singleton pregnancies between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation were analyzed. Fetal lung and liver elasticity measurements were performed using 2D shear wave elastography (SWE). Lung and liver elasticity values were compared between neonates who developed RDS and those who did not. The lung-liver elastography (LLE) ratio was also calculated.

Results: The minimum, maximum, and median lung elastography values were significantly higher in neonates with RDS compared to the control group (p<0.05). However, liver elastography values were similar between groups. The LLE ratio was also significantly higher in the RDS group (p=0.014). Additionally, neonates with RDS had lower APGAR scores, higher NICU admission rates, and increased need for respiratory support.

Conclusions: Higher fetal lung elastography values and LLE ratios are associated with an increased risk of RDS in late preterm neonates. Fetal lung elastography may serve as a valuable non-invasive tool for predicting neonatal respiratory complications, potentially guiding perinatal management and treatment strategies. Further multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings.

Keywords: fetal lung elastography; late preterm neonates; neonatal respiratory complications; respiratory distress syndrome; shear wave elastography.