Gravity-induced loss of aeration and atelectasis development in the preterm lung: a serial sonographic assessment

Objective To assess the impact of gravity and time on the changes in the distribution patterns of loss of aeration and atelectasis development in very preterm infants. Study design Preterm infants less than 32 weeks gestation were included in this prospective, observational study. Infants were assessed via serial lung ultrasound (LUS) score in four lung zones, performed on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after birth. Result Eighty-eight patients were enrolled. There was a significant main effect of gravity (P