Evaluation of the Predictive Value of Lung Ultrasound Scoring Systems in Assessing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Severity Among Preterm Infants: Correlation Analysis with Therapeutic Strategies and Clinical Management Protocols.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility of lung ultrasound (LUS) scoring in assessing the severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants and to explore its correlation with therapeutic strategies. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from preterm infants born at our hospital between February 2023 and January 2024. Based on clinical diagnosis, infants were categorized into a BPD group and a non-BPD control group. All infants underwent LUS examinations. We compared LUS scores and clinical characteristics between the two groups and performed correlation analyses to investigate the relationship between LUS findings and subsequent treatment plans. Results: The two groups were comparable in baseline characteristics (P>0.05). The LUS score was significantly higher in the BPD group than in the control group (P<0.05). Univariate regression analysis indicated that lower gestational age, cesarean delivery, lower birth weight, birth asphyxia, invasive ventilation, presence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), higher fluid intake/output in the first week, and higher LUS scores were all associated with increased BPD risk. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that lower gestational age and higher LUS scores were independent risk factors for BPD (P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for LUS scoring in diagnosing BPD was 0.928. An optimal LUS score cutoff value of 32 was identified, yielding a sensitivity of 80.11% and a specificity of 85.94%. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between LUS scores and the intensity of the therapeutic interventions employed (P<0.05). Conclusion: A higher LUS score is an independent risk factor for BPD in preterm infants. As a non-invasive, simple, and real-time tool, LUS scoring holds significant clinical value for the early diagnosis of BPD and for guiding the formulation of treatment strategies.