Utility of Postnatal Chest X-Ray in Newborns for the Evaluation of Prenatally Suspected Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study is to assess the necessity of chest X-ray (CXR) during the newborn hospitalization for all patients with prenatally suspected congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). Study Design This is a retrospective chart review of all infants delivered with prenatally suspected CPAM at our high-risk delivery hospital from January 2013 through April 2020 (n = 44). Nonparametric tests assessed the association between postnatal CXR findings, prescribed follow-up timeline, and neonatal outcomes. Results Mean follow-up period recommended was 6.4 weeks regardless of CXR findings in the neonatal period (p = 0.81). Additionally, patients who required respiratory support at or after birth were not more likely to have a lesion identified on chest X-ray (odds ratio [OR] = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18–2.64, p = 0.71). Conclusion Neonatal hospital course and future follow-up plan of patients with prenatally suspected CPAM were not altered by information from the CXR obtained in the immediate neonatal period, suggesting that this CXR may not be necessary in the asymptomatic patient. Key Points