Lung ultrasound could assess severity in COVID-19 patients

Lung ultrasound imaging related to LUS score (0–3). Score 0: normal A-lines with a continuous and regular pleural line. Score 1: multiple separated B-lines. Score 2: coalescent B-lines pattern with alterations of the pleural line. Score 3: consolidation area and possibly a large white lung artifact.
Lung ultrasound imaging related to LUS score (0–3).
doi.org/10.1016/j.pulmoe.2024.04.012

Lung ultrasound (LUS) can be an effective, inexpensive tool for assessing and treating patients with COVID-19. That’s according to researchers at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Naples, Italy, who studied ultrasound score as a method for predicting mortality and the severity of COVID-19 as it relates to the need for respiratory support in treating the illness.

In a multicenter, hospital-based cohort study, published in Pulmonology, the researchers conducted a statistical analysis of 1,007 adult patients who underwent blood gas analysis and were given a lung ultrasound upon admission to the hospital. Lung ultrasound findings were classified on a scoring scale of 0 to 3 for each of 12 anatomic landmarks in the chest:

  • Score 0: The patient had normal A-lines.
  • Score 1: The patient had multiple separated B-lines.
  • Score 2: The patient had coalescent B-lines and alteration of the pleural line.
  • Score 3: The patient had a consolidation area filled with liquid.

The median LUS score was 24, and the researchers found that the higher the score, the greater the risk for the patient needing to have more invasive respiratory support.

“LUS is a reliable, low-cost method in patients with COVID-19 for assessing the state of severity and providing an accurate risk stratification,” the researchers wrote. “The results of this research corroborate and validate the LUS score for predicting in-hospital mortality and are directly associated with the requirement of more advanced respiratory support.”

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