Chest X-Ray Versus Lung Ultrasound in Neonatal Pneumonia

Chest X-Ray Versus Chest Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Neonatal Pneumonia

This prospective observational study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy of chest X-ray versus lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of neonatal pneumonia among neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Assiut University Children's Hospital.

Neonatal pneumonia is a leading cause of respiratory morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period. Chest X-ray has traditionally been the reference imaging modality, but it involves ionizing radiation and has moderate sensitivity. Lung ultrasound is a radiation-free, bedside alternative that has shown promising diagnostic performance.

This prospective study will include term and preterm neonates admitted to the NICU with clinical suspicion of pneumonia within the first 28 days of life. All participants will undergo both portable chest X-ray and standardized lung ultrasound performed by trained examiners blinded to each other's findings. Diagnostic accuracy of both modalities will be compared against a composite clinical reference standard.

Inclusion Criteria:

• - Neonates (term and preterm) admitted to the NICU
• Clinical diagnosis of pneumonia within the first 28 days of life
• Written informed consent from parents or legal guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

• - Major congenital pulmonary or cardiac structural malformations that would confound imaging interpretation
• Lethal congenital anomalies or chromosomal abnormalities incompatible with survival