Evaluation of the Relationship Between Lung Ultrasound Findings and Degree of Obstruction in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Asthma Patients

Abstract

Background Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a rapid and accurate tool for diagnosing respiratory distress in children, though data on its findings in pediatric asthma is limited. This study aimed to evaluate LUS findings in children with asthma and their relationship with respiratory function test parameters at diagnosis. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study included 6-18-year-old patients newly diagnosed with asthma by a pediatric allergist or pulmonologist, capable of performing spirometry. The Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-7) was administered. LUS was performed by a blinded pediatric emergency specialist using a six-region scanning protocol. LUS artifacts included >= 3 B-lines per intercostal space, pulmonary consolidation, or pleural abnormalities. Results Of 105 patients, positive LUS findings were observed in 76 (70.4%): 61 had focal B-lines, 36 had small consolidations (< 1 cm), 3 had >= 3 B-lines, and 5 had larger consolidations (> 1 cm). Focal B-lines were mostly found in posterior zones (65.5%), confined to 1-2 intercostal spaces. No correlation was found between LUS findings and FEV1 or FEF25-75 parameters, but higher LUS scores were associated with poorer asthma control (ACQ-7, p = 0.007). Conclusions These findings suggest that LUS may serve as a non-invasive adjunct in assessing asthma severity in newly diagnosed children.