Predicting Extubation Success Using Lung Ultrasound in Chronically Ventilated Premature Infants Exposed to Postnatal Dexamethasone

Hypothesis: 1. Lung ultrasound scores can be longitudinally followed in premature infants receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and are correlated with lung aeration. 2. Lung ultrasound scores can help predict extubation success when monitored in ventilated premature infants with chronic lung disease receiving a 10-day course of dexamethasone (DART protocol). Preliminary Data: Lung ultrasonography (LUS) is an emerging tool in the ?eld of neonatology. Compared to conventional radiography, which carries the risk of ionizing radiation exposure, LUS is safe, quick, and allows for a more dynamic evaluation of respiratory status and evolving lung aeration in real-time. LUS has been used to assess and monitor multiple neonatal respiratory conditions, including respiratory distress syndrome, pneumothorax, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or chronic lung disease (CLD) of prematurity.