Diagnostic value of the chest radiograph in neonates having respiratory distress

Abstract

Introduction: Chest radiography is one of the most typical diagnostic instruments for respiratory distress. The rationale of the study was to assess the specificity, sensitivity, and clinical value of chest radiography of neonates with respiratory distress.Objective: To find out Effectiveness of Chest X-rays in Neonatal Respiratory Distress. Methods: A descriptive- analytical study was conducted on 100 neonate’s patients that were in Dept. of Radiodiognosis KMCT Medical College Manassery Calicut , from July 2019 to June 2020. After confirming the neonate's respiratory distress and taking CXR, the radiography was described by a radiologist and final diagnosis was confirmed.Results: Most of the neonates (64%) were born with caesarian section and were premature (78%) in this study. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was the most common reason for respiratory distress (54%). Chest radiography had the most sensitivity and specificity in pneumothorax and diaphragmatic hernia (100%). For pneumosepsis, radiography had 73% sensitivity and 87% specificity, for RDS the sensitivity and specificity were 35% and 82% respectively, for congenital heart disease sensitivity of zero and specificity of 98% and for Transient tachypnea of neonates (TTN) sensitivity of zero and specificity of 100%.Conclusion:Chest radiography is used as one of the most predictable and available diagnostic tools in respiratory distress syndrome, but inaccurate specificity and sensitivity in some disease must be judged, especially in neonates.