NT-PROBNP as a screening tool for low-risk patent ductus arteriousus: a follow-up validation study.

The purpose of the study is to test whether NT-proBNP serves as a screening tool for low-risk patent ductus arteriosus and safely avoids routine early echocardiography. This is a prospective observational study in preterm infants ≤32 weeks of gestational age. Infants with ≥5100 pg/ml (positive screening) at 48-72 hours of life received comprehensive echocardiography and were treated according to shunt severity.

Bedside Ultrasound for Early Diagnosis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Pilot Study.

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether bedside ultrasound (BUS) as the first imaging modality allows an earlier diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) compared with abdominal radiography.

Study Design: A before-after controlled study in preterm infants with suspected NEC. The intervention group (October 2019-October 2021) received BUS as the first imaging modality and was managed accordingly to BUS findings.