Neonatologist-performed Lung Ultrasound (NPLUS) to Guide Respiratory Therapy to Prevent Extubation Failure

NPLUS is conducted with an ultrasound scanner using a high-frequency (12-15 MHz) linear transducer probe (scanning depth approximately 4-5 cm). The neonate is placed in a supine position. The anterior, lateral and posterior chest areas are scanned using the presets "lung" or "small parts". Landmarks are the anterior and posterior axillary line (longitudinal) on each hemithorax. A sequential scan from right to left, anterior to posterior is performed. (6 lung areas). In the study NPLUS is performed to quantify the lung ultrasound score at time points T0, T1 and T2. Sequences of 3-5 seconds are saved and assessed according to the lung ultrasound score adapted by Rodriguez-Fanjul et al. (0- to 3 point score for each area, resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 18). To ensure inter-observer reliability the anonymous video sequences are then rated by two independent neonatologists.