A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Summary

Here, we present a protocol that can be applied in the neonatal intensive care unit and the delivery room in relation to three scenarios: cardiac arrest, hemodynamic deterioration, or respiratory decompensation. This protocol can be performed with a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine or an affordable handheld device; an image acquisition protocol is carefully detailed.

Abstract

The use of routine point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasing in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), with several centers advocating for 24 h equipment availability. In 2018, the sonographic algorithm for life-threatening emergencies (SAFE) protocol was published, which allows the assessment of neonates with sudden decompensation to identify abnormal contractility, tamponade, pneumothorax, and pleural effusion. In the study unit (with a consulting neonatal hemodynamics and POCUS service), the algorithm was adapted by including consolidated core steps to support at-risk newborns, aiding clinicians in managing cardiac arrest, and adding views to verify correct intubation. This paper presents a protocol that can be applied in the NICU and the delivery room (DR) in relation to three scenarios: cardiac arrest, hemodynamic deterioration, or respiratory decompensation.

This protocol can be performed with a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine or an affordable handheld device; the image acquisition protocol is carefully detailed. This method was designed to be learned as a general competence to obtain the timely diagnosis of life-threatening scenarios; the method aims to save time but does not represent a substitute for comprehensive and standardized hemodynamic and radiological analyses by a multidisciplinary team, which might not universally be on call but needs to be involved in the process. From January 2019 to July 2022, in our center, 1,045 hemodynamic consultation/POCUS consults were performed with 25 patients requiring the modified SAFE protocol (2.3%), and a total of 19 procedures were performed. In five cases, trained fellows on call resolved life-threatening situations. Clinical examples are provided that show the importance of including this technique in the care of critical newborns.

Introduction

Ultrasound is a tool that allows an immediate evaluation at the patient's bedside without having to transfer them to another room or floor in the hospital. It can be repeated, it is simple, economical, and precise, and it does not emit ionizing radiation. Ultrasound has been increasingly used by emergency physicians¹, anesthesiologists², and intensivists³ to obtain anatomical and functional images at the patient's bedside. It is a practical tool that is considered by some authors as the fifth pillar of physical examination, as an extension of the human senses⁴ (inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, and insonation)⁵.

In 2018, the SAFE protocol (for the acronym sonographic algorithm for life threatening emergencies) was published, which allows the assessment of neonates with sudden decompensation (respiratory and/or hemodynamic) to identify alterations in contractility, pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade (PCE/CT), pneumothorax (PTX), and pleural effusion (PE)⁶. Our unit is a tertiary-level referral hospital, with most babies needing mechanical ventilation and central catheters; in this context, the SAFE protocol was modified by evaluating the consolidated core steps for a critically ill newborn⁸, adapting the assistance for cardiac arrest⁷, taking calcium and glucose, and adding ultrasonographic views to verify intubation. Since 2017, a hemodynamic consultation (HC) and POCUS team has been available in the NICU with dedicated equipment.

Compared to adults, most cases of cardiac arrest in newborns are due to respiratory causes, resulting in pulseless electrical activity (PEA) or asystole. Ultrasound might be a valuable tool adjuvant to traditional resuscitation skills to assess intubation, ventilation, and heart rate (HR)⁹ and rule out hypovolemia, PCE/CT, and tension PTX. Electrocardiograms have been found to be misleading during neonatal resuscitation, as some newborns may have PEA^10,11,12.

The overall goal of this method was to adapt the cited literature to create a sonographic algorithm that can be applied in the NICU and the DR in relation to three scenarios: cardiac arrest, hemodynamic deterioration, or respiratory decompensation. This allows for the expansion of the physical examination by the critical care team to provide a timely diagnosis with correct intubation, including diagnoses of PEA or asystole, abnormal contractility, PCE/CT, PTX, or PE, either using high-end ultrasound equipment (HEUE) or an affordable handheld device (HHD). This algorithm was adapted from the SAFE protocol to be applied both in tertiary level care centers with a NICU-dedicated machine and in the DR and secondary level care centers with reasonably priced portable equipment. This method was designed as a general competence to obtain opportune diagnoses of life-threatening scenarios; the method aims to save time but does not represent a substitute for comprehensive, standardized hemodynamic and radiological analyses performed by a multidisciplinary team, which is essential but not always universally available.

Figure 1 depicts the protocol: a modified sonographic algorithm for life-threatening emergencies in the critically ill newborn. This procedure can be performed with an HEUE or an HHD depending on the healthcare center's resources. In this method, the POCUS team is considered an adjuvant to the attending team; patient management, especially during newborn resuscitation, should be performed according to the latest International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) recommendations¹³ and local guidelines, while the sonographer helps as an extra member.

Protocol

This protocol was approved by the institution's human research ethics committee; written consent was obtained for acquiring and publishing anonymized images. Never substitute a traditional maneuver, such as auscultating, for an ultrasound image (they can be done simultaneously or alternately by different operators). The consolidated core steps for a critically Ill newborn are a rapid series of supportive actions that need to be remembered as the POCUS team assesses the patient. Always have a second member of the POCUS team securing the endotracheal tube (ETT). Adapt the scanning to the patient's needs without interfering with resuscitation maneuvers.

1. Ultrasound preparation, specification, and settings¹⁴

1. Disinfect the transducer and connecting lines to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
   ​NOTE: Always disinfect the equipment before and after use in case of an emergency.
2. Prepare an HEUE or HHD depending on the situation. See Table 1 for general settings.
3. Click on image store after each step on the console or menu on the electronic tablet. Ensure that the imaging obtained is linked to the patient identifier once the emergency is under control.

2. Newborn handling

1. Call for help, access the equipment needed for clinical support, and provide warmth (use prewarmed gel).
2. Assess airways: Position the infant's head in a neutral position, clear the airway of secretions, and nest the infant whenever possible.
3. Oxygen: Administer oxygen as needed to maintain an SpO₂ of 90%-95%, or an FiO₂ of 100% if the infant is in cardiac arrest.
4. Monitor the newborn: Place a pulse oximeter on the infant's right hand, attach cardiopulmonary leads, and use a blood pressure monitor and a cuff of the correct size.
5. Obtain the HR, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and axillary temperature⁸. Obtain point-of-care blood gas analysis (PCBGA) with glucose and calcium.
   NOTE: Glucose and calcium disturbances may present as hemodynamic decompensation. The transition from carbohydrate-dependent to fatty acid-dependent metabolism occurs in the first few weeks of life¹⁵. In premature infants, contraction depends on the flow of extracellular calcium into the cell as the sarcoplasmic reticulum is physically apart from the L-type channels, the transverse tubules are not present, and the myocytes have a higher surface area to volume ratio¹⁶.

3. Verify intubation using the HEUE/HHD in cricothyroid membrane view

1. HEUE/HHD
   1. Select the linear array probe (HEUE 8-18 MHz, HHD 7.5-10 MHz), and press Small Parts on the console or the menu on the electronic tablet.
   2. Place the linear transducer, with the notch facing to the right, anteriorly on the neck at the level of the cricothyroid membrane (have a second person take care of the airway). Adjust the scanning depth to 2-4 cm.
   3. Locate the two thyroid lobes at the level of the cricoid. Identify the outline of the ETT (double rail image, also described as the "comet head and tail")¹⁷; observe the ETT in situ, generating a posterior shadow (air-mucosa interface with posterior reverberation and shadowing artifacts). Observe the esophagus on the left of the screen (usually collapsed).
      NOTE: If the esophagus is dilated with a posterior shadow, this may correspond to esophageal intubation ("double tract" sign) or a nasal or oral gastric tube (Figure 2).
   4. Verify the depth of the ETT with the weight + 6 formula¹⁸.
   5. Perform a longitudinal lung ultrasound (LUS); check for adequate bilateral pleural sliding, the presence of parenchymal signs (B-Lines, consolidation), and the absence of a lung pulse (explained later in the text).
      ​NOTE: If the patient is being intubated at the time, ultrasound may help in identifying the correct position of the tube after the procedure as previously described, or it can help to observe the tracheal and surrounding tissue movement associated with intubation, the double rail image depicting the ETT in the trachea, and the appearance of the posterior acoustic shadowing in real time. If the patient does not have a nasal or oral gastric tube, and the "double tract" sign is identified, this reflects esophageal intubation.

4. Verifying the ETT depth (HEUE) with the aortic arch suprasternal view

1. Select the phased array probe (6-12 MHz).
2. Press Neonatal Cardiac mode.
3. Adjust the scanning depth to 4-6 cm so the complete aortic arch is seen, and open the complete sector width, as it is needed to identify the ETT and aortic arch in one plane.
4. Obtain a suprasternal view with the notch by looking at 1-2 o'clock and moving clockwise on a coronal plane until the view of the ETT and the aortic arch is seen.
5. Measure the distance from the ETT tip, and ensure it is 0.5-1 cm from the upper border of the aortic arch (Figure 3).
   1. Only if the conditions permit, have an experienced sonographer (as additional skills are required) verify the depth by ultrasound. The aortic arch is considered an orientation point to locate the carina. If a deep tube is identified (<1 cm or <0.5 cm in premature infants), alongside the presence of a lung pulse, verify the insertion depth clinically, and then perform gentle movements of 0.2 cm and verify bilateral pleural sliding.
      ​NOTE: This method has been validated in several studies^19,20. Video 1 depicts a suspected PTX where a lung pulse was encountered; when verifying the depth, a deep tube was identified and retracted. The lung pulse disappeared, and a PTX was diagnosed. Parenchymal signs appeared after chest tube placement.

5. Cardiac arrest assessment based on HEUE with subcostal views, an HHD in parasternal long axis view, and an HEUE/HHD LUS

NOTE: While the attending team is performing neonatal resuscitation according to the ILCOR recommendations, the POCUS team prepares the ultrasound equipment. Intubation may be verified by documenting the endotracheal tube in situ and assessing the depth with the weight + 6 formula. Ultrasound may be used to identify the HR²¹, qualitatively assess the contractility, and rule out PCE/CT.

1. HEUE: Subcostal views are performed as they can be obtained without interfering with chest compressions.
   1. Select the phased array probe (6-12 MHz). Press Neonatal Cardiac mode, click on the up/down button, use the liver as an acoustic window, and ensure that the right atrium is at the bottom of the screen.
   2. Adjust the scanning depth to 6 cm and the sector width so that part of the liver and the complete heart are seen. Obtain a subcostal long axis (notch: 5 o'clock), utilizing the liver as an acoustic window to the heart.
   3. Scan from posterior to anterior recognizing (1) the superior vena cava (SVC), (2) the right and left atriums, (3) the left ventricle and aortic valve, and (4) the crossing right ventricle and pulmonary valve (Figure 4). On B-mode imaging, identify the HR, and qualitatively assess the contractility and the absence of PCE/CT.
   4. Place the transducer under the xiphoid region with the notch facing 3-5 o'clock, and sweep from side to side to scan the diaphragm and the bottom of the lungs,using the liver as an acoustic window (Figure 5). Assess for PCE/CT and PE.
   5. Perform LUS searching for parenchymal signs (B-lines, consolidation) during ventilation to rule out PTX (see later in the text).
2. HHD: Parasternal long axis view and LUS
   1. Select the linear array probe (7.5-10 MHz). Press Small Parts on the menu on the electronic tablet.
   2. Adjust the scanning depth to 4-6 cm. Alternating between chest compressions if needed or after returning to circulation, obtain a parasternal long axis view with the linear handheld probe. Point the notch to the left shoulder, and then rotate clockwise to 3-4 o'clock until the right ventricle is on top of the screen and the descending aorta is at the bottom.
   3. Identify (1) the right ventricle, (2) the interventricular septum, (3) the aortic valve, (4) the left ventricle, (5) the mitral valve, (6) the left atrium, (7) the pericardium, and (8) the descending aorta (Figure 6). Assess the HR, contractility, and the presence of PCE/CT.
   4. Perform LUS searching for parenchymal signs (B-lines, consolidation) during ventilation to rule out PTX (see later in the text).
   5. During cardiac arrest, obtain views twice in relation to neonatal ressucitation²².
      1. After performing corrective steps to improve the mask ventilation performance, and if still encountering an HR of <100, perform CU to detect the HR and effective cardiac output and ensure a real asystole.
      2. After advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with chest compressions and adrenaline dose, perform CU to rule out PCE/CT and hypovolemia, and perform LUS to detect PTX (see later).
         ​NOTE: The descending aorta is a key landmark for distinguishing a left pleural effusion from a pericardial effusion in long axis view. Fluid anterior to the descending aorta (toward the top of the screen) is pericardial effusion, and fluid posterior to the descending aorta is likely pleural effusion²³. It may be impossible to obtain a parasternal view in severe cases of pneumomediastinum.

6. Hemodynamic instability (hypoperfusion, hypotension, with or without respiratory deterioration)²⁴

1. Hemodynamic instability assessed using HEUE in subxiphoid long axis, four chamber view.
   1. Select the Phased array probe (6-12 MHz).
   2. Press Neonatal cardiac mode, click on the up/down button, use the liver as an acoustic window, and ensure that the right atrium is at the bottom of the screen.
   3. Adjust the scanning depth to 6 cm and the sector width so part of the liver and the complete heart are seen.
   4. Obtain a subcostal long axis view (notch: 5 o'clock) utilizing the liver as an acoustic window to the heart.
   5. Scan from posterior to anterior recognizing (1) the superior vena cava (SVC), (2) the right and left atriums, (3) the left ventricle and aortic valve, and (4) the crossing right ventricle and pulmonary valve (Figure 4). On B-mode imaging, identify the HR, and qualitatively assess the contractility and the absence of PCE/CT (Figure 4).
   6. Press color on the console; adjust the velocity to a scale of 70-80 cm/s. Observe the crossing of the great vessels and adequate outflow without aliasing and acceleration.
   7. Click on 2D, and obtain a four-chamber view with the notch of the transducer directed toward the left axilla at the 2-3 o'clock position as viewed from the apex. Identify (1) the right atrium, (2) the tricuspid valve, (3) the right ventricle, (4) the interventricular septum, (5) the left atrium, (6) the mitral valve, and (7) the left ventricle (Figure 7). Subjectively evaluate the contractility by examining the change in ventricular cavity size during systole.
   8. Click on the M mode button. To evaluate the contractility, using the track ball, place the cursor on the tricuspid and mitral annulus to calculate the tricuspid and mitral annular systolic excursion (TAPSE/MAPSE), and compare it to the nomograms according to gestational age^25,26.
   9. Assess the cardiac filling and fluid status. Differentiate a normal filled heart versus an underfilled one by evaluating the end diastolic area, where obliteration of the cavity (empty "kissing" ventricles) suggests hypovolemia, whereas an overloaded heart often appears dilated with poor contractility.
   10. Determine further management with a hemodynamic/pediatric cardiology consult²⁷. Rule out PCE/CT by looking for a large pericardial effusion (circumferential) with altered contractility, which is indicative of PCE/CT.
2. HHD with parasternal long axis view
   1. Select the linear array probe (7.5-10 MHz). Press Small Parts on the menu on the electronic tablet.
   2. Adjust the scanning depth to 4-6 cm. Obtain a parasternal long axis view with the linear handheld probe. Point the notch to the left shoulder, and then rotate clockwise to 3-4 o'clock until the right ventricle is on top of the screen and the descending aorta is at the bottom.
   3. Identify (1) the right ventricle, (2) the interventricular septum, (3) the aortic valve, (4) the left ventricle, (5) the mitral valve, (6) the left atrium, (7) the pericardium, and (8) the descending aorta (Figure 6). Subjectively evaluate the contractility by examining the change in the ventricular cavity size during systole.
   4. Assess the cardiac filling and fluid status. Differentiate a normal filled heart versus an underfilled one by evaluating the end diastolic area, where obliteration of the cavity (empty "kissing" ventricles) suggest hypovolemia, whereas an overloaded heart appears dilated and often has poor contractility.
   5. Determine further management with a hemodynamic/pediatric cardiology consult. Rule out PCE/CT, as indicated by fluid anterior to the descending aorta.
      NOTE: See the representative results for notes on assessing the cardiac function. Figure 8 shows images of systolic right atrial collapse and diastolic right ventricular collapse during PCE/CT²⁸.

7. Exclusive respiratory symptoms (normal blood pressure and perfusion)

1. Using HEUE/HHD for LUS, longitudinal and transversal scans. Lung ultrasound semiology has been described by Liu and collaborators (Table 2)^{29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45}
   1. Select the linear array probe (HEUE 8-18 MHz, HHD 7.5-10 MHz). Press Small Parts on the console or on the menu on the electronic tablet. Turn off harmonics.
   2. Adjust the scanning depth to 4-6 cm. Divide the thorax into six regions using the anterior and posterior axillary lines, as well as the parasternal lines. Identify the following: a) the anterior region from the parasternal line to the anterior axillary line, and then use the intermammary line to divide into the upper and lower anterior regions; b) the lateral region from the anterior to posterior axillary line.
   3. Perform a longitudinal scan with the notch facing up (perpendicular to the ribs) and with medial to lateral slide in both the anterior and posterior regions. Obtain clips of 6-10 s. Rotate the transducer 90° (notch to the right) to scan from top to bottom through the intercostal spaces.
   4. Assess pleural sliding to search for a PTX. Identify the to-and-fro motion of the pleural line, which synchronizes with the respiratory movement. The presence of parenchymal signs (B-lines, consolidation) rules out PTX. Perform M-mode to search for the "Bar code" sign (Figure 9).
   5. Rotate the transducer 90°, and place the transducer between the second and third intercostal spaces to obtain the anterior superior transverse plane with the notch pointing to the right. The sternum and mediastinal structures (the thymus, SVC, aorta, and pulmonary artery and branches) are observed in a healthy newborn (Figure 10).
   6. On longitudinal lateral scans, identify the presence of a PE, which is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity (Figure 11).
      ​NOTE: On some HHDs, the harmonics function allows the user to increase the frequency from 7.5 MHz to 10 MHz so that it can be maintained in preterm infants. Ultrasound allows the detection of pleural fluid in amounts as small as 3-5 mL, which cannot be identified by radiographs. Be mindful of the ultrasound depth, as modern machines allow great amplification, and the amount of fluid might be overestimated.

8. Drainage (HEUE/HHD)

NOTE: In all cases, use sterile technique.

1. Perform emergency procedures if there is significant hemodynamic instability, impending deterioration, or cardiac arrest.
2. Use an 18-20 G needle or an angiocatheter connected to a 20 mL syringe and a three-way stopcock. Keep the newborn comfortable, and ensure adequate pain control if possible. Swab the area with chlorhexidine.
3. PCE/CT⁴⁶
   1. Place a high-frequency linear transducer horizontally in the subcostal area with the marker pointing caudally.
      ​NOTE: The optimal place for echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is the largest, shallowest fluid pocket with no intervening vital structures.
   2. Palpate the xiphoidal process, and insert the needle (visualized piercing the pericardial sac) just below it at an angle of 30° to the skin, with the needle tip pointing toward the left shoulder. Once a flashback is obtained, stop advancing the needle, and continue to aspirate the maximal amount of fluid using the syringe.
4. PTX³³​
   1. Identify a suitable puncture point away from the sliding portion if a lung point is present, ensuring that only an A-line pattern with no pleural sliding exists ("Barcode sign" in M-mode). Adopt a supine, prone, or side position, allowing the air on the affected side to rise.
   2. Insert the needle into the intercostal space at the superior margin of the lower rib to avoid damage to the neurovascular bundle. Evacuate the pleural air by needle aspiration, and consider the placement of a chest tube based on the situation.
5. PE⁴¹
   1. Identify a suitable puncture point; choose the deepest pool of fluid. Adopt a supine or lateral position, with the upper part of the body slightly elevated, allowing fluid to accumulate due to gravity at the lowest point of the pleural space.
   2. Insert the needle into the intercostal space at the superior margin of the lower rib to avoid damage to the neurovascular bundle. Evacuate the pleural fluid by needle aspiration, and consider the placement of a chest tube based on the situation.

Results

The inspection of cardiac function by "eyeballing" can be applied to qualitatively assess the global cardiac systolic function. Any suspicion of impaired cardiac function should lead to an urgent HC with pediatric cardiology for the assessment of congenital heart disease (CHD). Treatment must be started according to the pathophysiology, and the treatment should be integrated and modified according to a comprehensive anatomical and functional echocardiography study²⁷. If ductal-dependent CDH is sus...

Discussion

Compared to children and adults, most cases of acute deterioration/cardiac arrest are due to respiratory causes in newborns. The original SAFE protocol was modified in our unit, a tertiary referral care neonatal center, due to this unit expecting several ventilated patients with indwelling catheters. The protocol has been adapted to different scenarios and equipment for use in low- and medium-income countries. As an institution with a neonatal hemodynamics and POCUS program, and after giving LUS workshops in different st...

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Conductivity gel	Ultra/Phonic, Pharmaceutical innovations, New Jersey, United States	36-1001-25
Handheld linear probe, 10.0 MHz	Konted, Beijing, China	C10L	handheld device
Hockey stick probe 8–18 MHz, L8-18I-SC Probe	GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, United States	H40452LZ	high-end ultrasound equipment
iPad Air 2	Apple Inc	MGWM2CL/A	electronic tablet
Phased array probe 6-12 MHz, 12S-D Phased Array Probe	GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, United States	H45021RT	high-end ultrasound equipment
Vivid E90 v203 Console Package	GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, United States	H8018EB	Vivid E90 w/OLED monitor v203 Console