Fifteen-minute consultation: Using point of care ultrasound to assess children with respiratory failure

Abstract

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is well established in adult emergency medicine and critical care. It is used for immediate diagnosis and evaluation of the impact of bedside interventions in the acutely unwell child. This article highlights how ultrasound can be helpful in paediatric practice when dealing with the neonate, infant or older child with undifferentiated respiratory distress, respiratory failure or ventilation problems. It highlights indications for use, key diagnostic features of common pathology and outlines the benefits of POCUS in everyday practice.

Keywords: intensive care; lung ultrasound; paediatric practice; point of care ultrasound; respiratory.