Diaphragm ultrasound after manual rib cage stabilization maneuver in premature newborns: clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The manual rib cage stabilization maneu-ver (MRCSM) is a physical therapy intervention that promotes stabilization of the zone of apposition of the diaphragm, facilitating the contraction of this muscle and the work of breathing. Objective To evaluate by diaphragm ultrasound the diaphragmatic excursion in premature newborns before and after MRCSM. Methods Before-after clinical trial assessing by diaphragm ultra-sound the effectiveness of MRCSM in the amplitude of diaphragmatic excursions. Results The study sample consisted of 48 premature newborns born at a mean gestational age of 33.0 ± 2.8 weeks with a mean birth weight of 1,904.1 ± 708.9 grams. The newborns were classified in three groups: without respiratory distress syndrome (RDS; n = 26), with RDS (n = 15) and with apnea (n = 7) as a cause of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The measurements of diaphragmatic excursion and thickening were similar in newborns without or with RDS or apnea and there was a significant increase in the amplitude of diaphragmatic excursions after MRCSM (p < 0.001; effect size > 0.68) and less diaphragmatic thickening at exhalation in all of them. The diaphragm thickening fraction was 0.50 (0.33 - 0.72), and the diaphragm thickening rate was 0.04 (0.03 - 0.07). These measurements showed no significant variation with the presence or absence of RDS or apnea (p > 0.05). No significant variations in heart rate (p = 0.30), respiratory rate (p = 0.79), and peripheral oxygen saturation, consid-ering newborns in ambient air (p = 0.17) compared with baseline. Conclusion The MRCSM was effective, safe, and increased the amplitude of diaphragmatic excursion and thickness in premature newborns at one week of age, regardless of the presence or absence of RDS or apnea as a cause of admission to the NICU.