Evaluation of thalamus echogenicity via ultrasonography as a marker of fetal lung maturity

Abstract

Background: Fetal lung immaturity is a major problem in the management of elective birth with respect to predicting the development of infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) in the neonate after birth.Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of measuring fetal thalamic echogenicity by ultrasound as a marker of fetal lung maturity.Subjects and Methods: This was a prospective observational study that was being carried out on 80 pregnant patients. They were recruited from Obstetrics and Gynaecology clinics at Tanta University Hospitals during the period of research from March 2021 till the end of the study.Results: There was statistically significant difference between RDS group and those without RDS regarding thalamic echogenicity, 1 and 5- min APGAR score, NICU admission and neonatal mortality.Conclusion: Evaluation of echogenic thalamus by ultrasound at the level of the BPD is of value, and can be considered as a new marker of fetal lung maturity; however, further studies are required to strengthen such idea.