Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Forward
Noninvasive Imaging of the Neonatal Lung Using Electrical Impedance Tomography: A Narrative Review
Overview
Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a radiation-free, noninvasive method of measuring the regional behavior of the lung that may be particularly suited to neonatal medicine. It is used more and more commonly in neonatology, particularly in the research setting. To harmonize efforts in terms of scientific and clinical use of this novel technology, we summarize the current knowledge on EIT use in both term and preterm infants and delineate potential future perspectives in this state-of-the-art article. We describe the current use in research and practice in neonatal medicine, including the following areas: 1) the cardiopulmonary transition immediately after birth; 2) changes in airway management, including the use of different interfaces, endotracheal intubation, extubation to noninvasive respiratory support and (endotracheal) suctioning; 3) surfactant administration; 4) different body positions; 5) different modes of invasive and noninvasive respiratory support; 6) evaluation of acute pulmonary pathologies; 7) the predictive value of using EIT in neonatology; and 8) the assessment of pulmonary perfusion. In summary, EIT is a very valuable research tool in neonatal medicine, where it allows us to understand physiological principles and pathogenesis of disease more deeply. It may also be useful for selected clinical situations in neonatology, including major acute lung pathologies, because it allows accurate and noninvasive assessment of intrapulmonary volume changes in neonates. However, there are still some barriers to widespread implementation in clinical practice.
This content is free for users with an active ATS Membership.
Target Audience
Pulmonologists, critical care specialists, translational researchers, and clinicians
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, learners should be able to:
- Describe the current literature on the use of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in the neonatal population
- Identify clinical situations that would benefit from utilization of EIT
- Distinguish between ventilation and aeration and describe the EIT parameters that apply to each
This section is not in use.
Please visit the Accreditation tab to view Accreditation and Disclosure information.
Accreditation Statement
The American Thoracic Society is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Disclosure Declaration
Article Authorship Disclosures (as submitted to the ATS prior to article publication date)
Vincent D. Gaertner, M.D., B.Sc. (Newborn Research Munich, Division of Neonatology, Dr von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität, Munich, Germany), reported grants from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), European Society for Paediatric Research, and Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich.
David G. Tingay, M.B. B.S., Ph.D. (Neonatal Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), reported support from the National Health and Medical Research Council. Additionally, Dr. Tingay reported support for attending meetings or travel from Sentec AG (formerly Swisstom), and SLE UK Ltd. Dr. Tingay also participates on a data safety monitoring or advisory board for Maquet Critical Care AB. Sentec AG (formerly Swisstom) has provided equipment, materials, drugs, medical writing, or gifts to Dr. Tingay.
Andreas D. Waldmann, Ph.D. (Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany), reported no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Christoph M. Rüegger, M.D. (Newborn Research, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland) reported grants from Stiftung Neonatologie Schweiz. Additionally, Dr. Rüegger reported receipt of equipment from Sentec AG in Therwil, Switzerland.
AnnalsATS CME Planners
Margaret M. Hayes, M.D.
Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
Dr. Hayes reported receiving payments as an author for a chapter on heliox for UpToDate.
Caroline Okorie, M.D., M.P.H.
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford CA, USA
Dr. Okorie reported no financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Off-Label Usage Disclosure
None
All relevant financial relationships have been reviewed and mitigated.
Instructions to Receive Credit
To receive credit for this journal article:
- Read the journal article. Keep track of how long it takes you to read it.
- Once you open the article, the Post-Test becomes available. After reading the article, answer the post-test questions. You must answer all questions correctly to earn credit. You may take the test as many times as you like.
- Once you pass the Post-Test, the Evaluation becomes available. Answer all the evaluation questions.
- Once you complete the evaluation, select the amount of credit to receive based on the time it took you to read the article.
- You can view, save and print your Certificate by pressing the Certificate button.
- To review the credits you've earned in this system and reprint certificates, go to the My Learning drop-down list. Then select Transcript.
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™The American Thoracic Society designates this for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 1.00 Participation