Correlation between early postnatal body weight changes and lung ultrasound scores as predictors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants: A secondary analysis of a prospective study.

Recent research links early weight changes (EWC) with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm neonates, while lung ultrasound score (LUS) has shown promise in predicting BPD. We aimed to explore the correlation between LUS and EWC as markers of extravascular lung edema and to investigate the correlation between LUS and EWC in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome regarding future BPD development. This secondary analysis of a prospective study involved infants ≤ 28 weeks gestation. Enrolled infants underwent lung ultrasound assessment on postnatal days 3, 7 and 14, measuring LUS. EWC was computed on the same time points. Infants were classified as either having BPD or not. Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis were utilized. Of 132 infants, 70 (53%) had BPD. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences in LUS and EWC at days 3, 7, and 14 between BPD and no-BPD groups (p < 0.001). A statistically significant but weak positive correlation existed between LUS and EWC (r0.37, r0.29, r0.24, and p < 0.01) at postnatal days 3, 7, and 14, respectively. AUROC analysis indicated LUS having superior predictive capacity for the need for invasive mechanical ventilation at day 14 as well as the later BPD development compared to EWC (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In a cohort of extreme preterm infants, our study revealed a positive yet weak correlation between LUS and EWC, suggesting that EWC was not the major contributing to the evolving chronic lung disease. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Recent evidence links Early Weight-Changes with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates. • Lung ultrasound score has shown promise in early prediction of the subsequent development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants. No studies have examined the correlation between Early Weight-Changes and Lung ultrasound score in preterm infants during first 2 weeks after birth. WHAT IS NEW: • Our study demonstrated a positive and statistically significant correlation between early LUS and EWC, indicating their potential role as early predictors for the subsequent development of BPD in extreme preterm infants. • The weak correlation between the two parameters may stem from the possible restricted influence of EWC, given that it may not be the primary factor contributing to the evolving chronic lung disease.

Accuracy of lung ultrasound in predicting extubation failure in neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and meta-analyze the diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound score (LUS) in predicting extubation failure in neonates. STUDY DESIGN: MEDLINE, COCHRANE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched up to 30 November 2022, for studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of LUS in predicting extubation outcome in mechanically ventilated neonates. METHODOLOGY: Two investigators independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and assessed study quality using the Quality Assessment for Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy 2 tool. We conducted a meta-analysis of pooled diagnostic accuracy data using random-effect models. Data were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We calculated pooled sensitivity and specificity, pooled diagnostic odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Eight observational studies involving 564 neonates were included, and the risk of bias was low in seven studies. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for LUS in predicting extubation failure in neonates were 0.82 (95% CI: 0.75-0.88) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78-0.86), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 21.24 (95% CI: 10.45-43.19), and the AUC for LUS predicting extubation failure was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.80-0.95). Heterogeneity among included studies was low, both graphically and by statistical criteria (I2 = 7.35%, p = 0.37). CONCLUSIONS: The predictive value of LUS in neonatal extubation failure may hold promise. However, given the current level of evidence and the methodological heterogeneity observed, there is a clear need for large-scale, well-designed prospective studies that establish standardized protocols for lung ultrasound performance and scoring. REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered in OSF (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ZXQUT).

Accuracy of lung and diaphragm ultrasound in predicting successful extubation in extremely preterm infants: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Chest ultrasound has emerged as a promising tool in predicting extubation readiness in adults and children, yet its utility in preterm infants is lacking. Our aim was to assess the utility of lung ultrasound severity score (LUSS) and diaphragmatic function in predicting extubation readiness in extremely preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective cohort study, preterm infants < 28 weeks gestational age (GA) who received invasive mechanical ventilation for ≥12 h were enrolled. Chest ultrasound was performed before extubation. The primary outcome was lung ultrasound accuracy for predicting successful extubation at 3 days. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were done using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: We enrolled 45 infants, of whom 36 (80%) were successfully extubated. GA and postmenstrual age (PMA) at extubation were significantly higher in the successful group. The LUSS was significantly lower in the successful group compared to failed group (11.9 ± 3.2 vs. 19.1 ± 3.1 p < 0.001). The two groups had no statistically significant difference in diaphragmatic excursion or diaphragmatic thickness fraction. Logistic regression analysis controlling for GA and PMA at extubation showed LUSS was an independent predictor for successful extubation (odd ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval [0.23-0.9], p = 0.02). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.95 (p ˂ 0.001) for LUSS, and a cut-off value of ≥15 had 95% sensitivity and 85% specificity in detecting extubation failure. CONCLUSION: In extremely preterm infants, lung ultrasound has good accuracy for predicting successful extubation. However, diaphragmatic measurements were not reliable predictors.

Ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragmatic function in preterm infants on non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) compared to nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV): a prospective observational study.

NIV-NAVA mode for respiratory support in preterm infants is not well-studied. This study aimed to describe the diaphragmatic function, diaphragmatic excursion (DE), and thickness fraction (DTF), in preterm infants < 30 weeks' gestation supported by NIV-NAVA compared to NIPPV using bedside ultrasonography. In this consecutive prospective study, DE, diaphragmatic thickness at end of expiration (DTexp), end of inspiration (DTins), and DTF were assessed using bedside ultrasound. Lung aeration evaluation using lung ultrasound score (LUS) was performed for the two groups. Diaphragmatic measurements and LUS were compared for the 2 groups (NIV-NAVA group versus NIPPV group). Statistical analyses were conducted using the SPSS software version 22. Out of 70 infants evaluated, 40 were enrolled. Twenty infants were on NIV-NAVA and 20 infants on NIPPV with a mean [SD] study age of 25.7 [0.9] weeks and 25.1 [1.4] weeks respectively (p = 0.15). Baseline characteristics and respiratory parameters at the time of the scan showed no significant difference between groups. DE was significantly higher in NIV-NAVA with a mean SD of 4.7 (1.5) mm versus 3.5 (0.9) mm in NIPPV, p = 0.007. Additionally, the mean (SD) of DTF for the NIV-NAVA group was 81.6 (30) % vs 78.2 (27) % for the NIPPV group [p = 0.71]. Both groups showed relatively high LUS but no significant difference between groups [12.8 (2.6) vs 12.6 (2.6), p = 0.8].  Conclusion: Preterm infants managed with NIV-NAVA showed significantly higher DE compared to those managed on NIPPV. This study raises the hypothesis that NIV-NAVA could potentially improve diaphragmatic function due to its synchronization with patients' own breathing. Longitudinal studies to assess diaphragmatic function over time are needed.  Trial registry: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05079412). Date of registration September 30, 2021. What is Known: • NIV-NAVA utilizes diaphragmatic electrical activity to provide synchronized breathing support. • Evidence for the effect of NIV-NAVA on diaphragmatic thickness fraction (DTF) and excursion (DE) is limited. What is New: • Ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragmatic function (DTF and DE) is feasible. • In preterm infants, DE was significantly higher in infants supported with NIV-NAVA compared to those supported with NIPPV.

Predictors of successful trial off continuous positive airway pressure and high flow nasal cannula in preterm infants <30 weeks' gestation: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the predictors of successful first trial off nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of infants ≤29 weeks' gestation who required nCPAP for >24 h was conducted. Logistic regression was used to detect predictors for successful trial off nCPAP. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS software. RESULTS: A total of 727 infants were included in the analysis. Infants who were successful in their first trial off nCPAP (n = 313) were of higher gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW), as well as a higher proportion of female infants, compared with those who were not successful (p < 0.01). When stratified by GA, a negative correlation was noted between GA and postmenstrual age at successful trial off nCPAP or high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) (r = 0.45, p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that GA (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.03-1.24], p = 0.01) and percentage of time spent with an oxygen saturation over 89% in the 24 h preceding the trial off nCPAP (OR 1.08, 95% CI [1.05-1.11], p = 0.00) were independent predictors for successful trial off nCPAP. CONCLUSION: Successful trial off nCPAP or HFNC in preterm infants is significantly associated with higher GA, BW, female gender, and the specific oxygen saturation histogram in the preceding 24-h period.

Prophylactic versus therapeutic caffeine for apnea of prematurity: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic initiation of methyxanthines for treatment of apnea in preterm infants was the standard policy. Caffeine therapy is beneficial for various outcomes of preterm infants. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of early prophylactic compared to routine therapeutic caffeine therapy on duration of oxygen support and other outcomes of preterm infants. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial including preterm infants < 32 weeks' gestation, prophylactic (in the first 72 h of life) versus therapeutic (only if apnea exists or infant requires mechanical ventilation) decision of caffeine was compared. The primary outcome was the duration of oxygen therapy. Secondary outcomes included duration of respiratory support modalities; bronchoplumonary dysplasia (BPD); necrotizing enterocolitis; intra-ventricular hemorrhage; retinopathy of prematurity; length of hospital stay (LOS); neonatal mortality; and caffeine side effects. RESULTS: We enrolled 90 infants in the prophylactic and 91 infants in therapeutic groups respectively. Prophylactic caffeine decreased the duration of oxygen therapy [median and IQR of 28 (18-36) days versus 34 (23-51) days, p = .005 respectively]. Prophylactic caffeine significantly decreased the durations of respiratory support modalities, LOS, and incidences of mild to moderate BPD without reported effects on the incidence of severe BPD or other clinical outcomes compared to therapeutic caffeine. A significantly higher proportion of infants in the prophylactic caffeine group did not require mechanical ventilation during their NICU admission and a significant lower proportion required late mechanical ventilation compared to the prophylactic caffeine group. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic caffeine decreased the duration of oxygen therapy, invasive and noninvasive ventilation, incidences of mild to moderate BPD, and LOS in preterm infants.

Risk Factors and Predictors of Rebound Hyperbilirubinemia in a Term and Late-Preterm Infant with Hemolysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of rebound in term and late-preterm infants with hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia postphototherapy. STUDY DESIGN: A 4-year retrospective data analysis of neonates with hemolytic indirect hyperbilirubinemia admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Medina Maternity and Children's Hospital was conducted. Bilirubin rebound was defined as the return of total serum bilirubin (TSB) to phototherapy threshold within 72 hours of postphototherapy. RESULTS: Of 386 identified neonates; 44 (11%) experienced rebound. Neonates in the rebound group demonstrated significantly higher levels of peak TSB, TSB at discontinuation of phototherapy, and lower value of relative TSB (difference between TSB at phototherapy termination and the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP] threshold for phototherapy at concurrent age) compared with nonrebound group (p-value: <0.001, <0.001, and 0.007, respectively). Lower value of relative TSB at stoppage of phototherapy was the single independent predictor for rebound hyperbilirubinemia by mutivariate regression (p < 0.001). A cut-off value for relative TSB at stoppage of phototherapy of 190 µmol/L had 98% sensitivity and 32% specificity to predict rebound hyperbilirubinemia. CONCLUSION: Relative TSB at phototherapy termination is the best predictor for postphototherapy rebound hyperbilirubinemia in neonates with hemolytic etiology. KEY POINTS: · 11% of neonates showed postphototherapy rebound.. · The relative TSB at stoppage of phototherapy is the best predictor for rebound hyperbilirubinemia.. · The first cohort to assess rebound in neonates with hemolysis..

Risk factors and outcomes of deep tissue Candida invasion in neonates with invasive candidiasis.

BACKGROUND: Deep tissue Candida invasion represents a special entity among neonates with invasive candidiasis. We aimed to explore the risk factors and clinical outcomes for deep tissue Candida invasion among neonates with invasive candidiasis. METHODS: A retrospective data review of neonates admitted to NICU of Madinah maternity and children hospital, KSA from January 2012 to December 2019 was done. Data were analysed between infants with or without deep tissue candidiasis among infants with invasive candidiasis. Invasive candidiasis was defined as positive blood or catheter collected urine culture for Candida. Deep tissue Candida invasion was defined as an infection of the central nervous system, eyes, heart, skeletal system, lungs, liver or kidneys. RESULT: A total of 14 (11%) out of 130 neonates with invasive candidiasis had deep tissue Candida invasion. Persistent positive blood culture for Candida [OR 15.2, 95% CI (2.0-114), p = .01], prematurity [OR 7.6, 95% CI (1.04-56.4), p = .04] and prolonged antibiotic duration [OR 1.3, 95% CI (1.02-1.6), p = .03] are independent risk factors for deep tissue Candida invasion. Deep tissue Candida invasion was associated with significantly higher rates of cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, heart failure and longer length of hospital stay compared to infants without deep tissue invasion. CONCLUSION: Persistent Candida growth in blood cultures, prematurity and long-term antibiotic use are significant risk factors for deep tissue Candida invasion. Deep tissue Candida invasion is associated with prolonged hospital stay and higher neonatal morbidity.

Pan-vasculitis and fulminant hepatitis following routine vaccination at the age of 4 months.

Vaccines are known to have side effects, most of which are tolerable. Vasculitis following vaccination is reported and has various modes of presentation. We report a 4-month-old girl presented with an unusual presentation of fulminant hepatitis, pan vasculitis, and diffuse body aneurysms following routine immunization diagnosed by echocardiography and computed tomography angiogram. It is important to be aware of different possible adverse effects following vaccines and their different modes of presentation as well as possible treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulins and high dose methylprednisolone.

Impact of Umbilical Cord Milking on Hematological Parameters in Preterm Neonates With Placental Insufficiency.

Background: Data is still lacking about the expediency of umbilical cord milking (UCM) in preterm neonates born to mothers with placental insufficiency (PI). Objective: To study the effect of UCM in preterm neonates who had ante-natal evidence of placental insufficiency on peripheral blood cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34) percentage, hematological indices, and clinical outcomes. Methods: Preterm neonates, <34 weeks' gestation, born to mothers with evidence of placental insufficiency that underwent UCM (PI+UCM group) were compared with historical controls whose umbilical stumps were immediately clamped [PI+ICC (immediate cord clamping) group] in a case-control study. Peripheral blood CD34 percentage as a measure of hematopoietic stem cell transfusion was the primary outcome. Early and late-onset anemia; polycythemia; frequency of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfusion during NICU stay; peak total serum bilirubin (TSB); incidence of phototherapy, admission rectal temperature; first 24 h hypothermia and hypoglycemia; episodes of hypotension and need for volume expander boluses and inotropic support during the first 24 h of age; duration of oxygen therapy; bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD); severe intra-ventricular hemorrhage (IVH); necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC); culture-proven late-onset sepsis; length of hospital stay; and in-hospital mortality were secondary outcomes. Results: In preterm infants with placental insufficiency, umbilical cord milking was associated with greater peripheral blood CD34 percentage, hemoglobin levels initially and at postnatal age of 2 months, alongside significantly shorter duration of oxygen therapy compared with ICC group. Frequency of packed RBCs transfusion during hospital stay was comparable. Neonates in UCM group had a greater peak TSB level during admission with significantly higher need for phototherapy initiation compared with ICC. Logistic regression, adjusted for gestational age, revealed that UCM resulted in greater CD34 percentage, higher initial hemoglobin level, higher peak serum bilirubin, significant increase of phototherapy initiation, and higher hemoglobin level at 2 months. Conclusions: UCM in preterm neonates born to mothers with placental insufficiency was feasible and resulted in greater CD34 percentage, higher initial hemoglobin level, higher peak serum bilirubin, significant increase of phototherapy initiation, and higher hemoglobin level at 2 months.

Effect of tactile/kinesthetic massage therapy on growth and body composition of preterm infants.

Massage therapy (MT) improves growth parameters in preterm infants. The growth of lean mass rather than fat mass has been associated with better long-term outcomes. We aimed to study the effect of tactile/kinesthetic MT on growth and body composition parameters in preterm infants. Preterm (< 32 weeks gestation) infants were randomly assigned at corrected gestational age of 35 weeks to receive 3 consecutive, 15-min, sessions of MT over 5 days or routine care. Primary outcome was mean daily weight gain. Secondary outcomes included anthropometric measurements and body composition parameters assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Out of 218 infants screened, 86 were eligible and 60 infants (30 in each group) were recruited after parental consent. MT was associated with significant increase in daily weight gain [19.3 (10-34.3) versus 6.2 (2.5-18.4) g/day, p = 0.01] and growth velocity [12.5 (6-21) versus 3.6 (1.6-12.6) g/kg/d, p = 0.01] compared with routine care. Infants on MT showed significant increase in total body mass, fat mass (total/legs), lean mass (total/arms/legs/trunk), and bone mineral density (arms/legs/trunk) values compared with routine care group. In conclusions, MT improves growth quality as evident by increased total and regional lean masses, increased bone mineral density, and peripheral rather than central fat distribution. What is known on this subject? • Massage therapy (MT) for preterm infants leads to achievement of faster independent oral feeding, increased weight gain, less stress, less response to pain, less occurrence of sepsis, and shorter hospital stay. • Growth of lean mass rather than fat mass has been associated with better long-term outcomes. What this study adds? • Tactile/kinesthetic massage therapy in preterm infant is associated with improved growth parameters and anthropometric measures. • Tactile/kinesthetic massage therapy increased total body mass, fat mass (total/legs), lean mass (total/arms/legs/trunk), and bone mineral density (arms/legs/trunk) values.

Effect of delayed cord clamping on stem cell transfusion and hematological parameters in preterm infants with placental insufficiency: a pilot randomized trial.

The feasibility of delayed cord clamping (DCC) in preterm infants with placental insufficiency (PI) is questionable. We aimed to study the effect of DCC on stem cell transfusion, hematological parameters, and clinical outcomes in preterm infants born to mothers with PI. Preterm infants, < 34 weeks' gestation, born to mothers with PI were randomized based on the timing of umbilical cord clamping into delayed clamping for 60 s (DCC group) or immediate cord clamping (ICC group) groups at time of birth. CD34 percentage as a marker of stem cell transfusion, early and late-onset anemia, hypothermia, hypotension, polycythemia, hyperbilirubinemia, duration of oxygen therapy, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intra-ventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, mortality, and length of hospital stay were compared between studied groups. We found that peripheral blood CD34 percentage was significantly higher in DCC compared with that in the ICC group (median (IQR) of 0.5 (0.40-0.7) versus 0.35 (0.20-0.5), p = 0.004). Infants in the DCC group had significantly lower episodes of anemia of prematurity at 2 months, red blood cell transfusion, and shorter duration of oxygen therapy compared with those in the ICC group.Conclusion: In conclusion, DCC compared with ICC increased stem cell transfusion and decreased early- and late-onset anemia in preterm infants with placental insufficiency.Trial registration: NCT03731546 www.clinicaltrials.gov What is Known: • Delayed cord clamping has been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a standard of care practice during delivery of preterm infants. • The feasibility of DCC in preterm infants with placental insufficiency (PI) is uncertain. What is New: • This randomized controlled trial demonstrated that DCC in the delivery room care of preterm infants born to mothers with placental insufficiency increased stem cell transfusion and decreased early- and late-onset anemia.

Effect of Oropharyngeal Administration of Mother's Milk Prior to Gavage Feeding on Gastrin, Motilin, Secretin, and Cholecystokinin Hormones in Preterm Infants: A Pilot Crossover Study.

BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal administration of milk prior to gavage feeding has been shown to improve feeding tolerance in preterm infants. OBJECTIVES: The aim is to study the effect of oropharyngeal administration of mother's milk (OPAMM), prior to gavage feeding, on the levels of gastrin, motilin, secretin, and cholecystokinin hormones. METHODS: Preterm infants (<32 weeks' gestation) were randomized at a corrected gestational age of 33-34 weeks, in a crossover design, to receive 1 of 2 protocols: 24 hours of OPAMM practice (applying 0.2 mL of mother's milk prior to each gavage feeding) followed by 24 hours of regular gavage-feeding practice in the first protocol or vice versa in the second protocol. The levels of gastrin, motilin, secretin, and cholecystokinin hormones were measured at the end of 24 hours of both practices. RESULTS: The data of 40 preterm infants (20 in each protocol) were analyzed. OPAMM was associated with a significant increase in the levels of motilin (median, 233; interquartile range [IQR], 196-296 vs median, 196; IQR, 128-233; P < .01), secretin (median, 401; IQR, 353-458 vs median, 370; IQR, 331-407; P = .04), and cholecystokinin (median, 21.4; IQR, 16-27.1 vs median, 14.9; IQR, 11-20.5; P <.01) but not gastrin (median, 202; IQR, 125-238 vs median, 175; IQR, 128-227; P = .7), compared with regular gavage-feeding practice. CONCLUSION: Oro-pharyngeal stimulation by OPAMM, prior to gavage feeding, significantly increased motilin hormone and possibly increased secretin and cholecystokinin hormones.

Sonographic evaluation of diaphragmatic thickness and excursion as a predictor for successful extubation in mechanically ventilated preterm infants.

Sonographic assessment of diaphragmatic thickness and excursion has been found to be an accurate tool in predicting successful extubation of adult patients from invasive mechanical ventilation. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of sonographic assessment of diaphragmatic thickness and excursion in predicting successful extubation of preterm infants from invasive conventional mechanical ventilation. Preterm infants less than 32 weeks gestation who required invasive conventional mechanical ventilation were evaluated by diaphragmatic sonography within 1 h of their planned extubation. Infants were classified into successful or failed extubation groups based on their ability to stay off invasive mechanical ventilation for 72 h after extubation. Inspiratory and expiratory thickness plus excursion of the right and left hemidiaphragm as well as diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF) measures were compared between groups. We included 43 eligible infants, of whom 34 infants succeeded and 9 infants failed extubation. Infants in the successful extubation group had a significantly higher expiratory thickness of the right and left hemidiaphragm, excursion of the right and left hemidiaphragm, inspiratory thickness of the left hemidiaphragm, and DTF of the left hemidiaphragm compared with infants who failed extubation. The receiver-operating characteristic curves showed that excursion of the right and left hemidiaphragm has the highest significant accuracy in predicting successful extubation of preterm infants among all diaphragmatic parameters (AUC is 0.98 and 0.96, respectively; p value < 0.001 for both).Conclusion: We conclude that diaphragmatic excursion is a useful indicator for successful extubation of preterm infants from mechanical ventilation. What is Known: • Invasive mechanical ventilation induces ventilator induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD) particularly when used for long time. • Assessment of diaphragmatic dimensions and functional activity has been a valuable tool in predicting successful extubation of adult patients from invasive mechanical ventilation. What is New: • Sonographic assessment of diaphragmatic dimensions can be used to predict successful extubation of preterm infants from mechanical ventilation. • Sonographic assessment of diaphragmatic excursion shows the highest sensitivity and specificity in predicting successful extubation of preterm infants.