2012 | Giovanni Volpicelli, Mahmoud Elbarbary, Michael Blaivas, Daniel A. Lichtenstein, Gebhard Mathis, Andrew W. Kirkpatrick, Lawrence Melniker, Luna Gargani, Vicki E. Noble, Gabriele Via, Anthony Dean, James W. Tsung, Gino Soldati, Roberto Copetti, Belaid Bouhemad, Angelika Reissig, Eustachio Agricola, Jean-Jacques Rouby, Charlotte Arbelot, Andrew Liteplo, Ashot Sargsyan, Fernando Silva, Richard Hoppmann, Raoul Breitkreutz, Armin Seibel, Luca Neri, Enrico Storti, Tomislav Petrovic
This document presents evidence-based recommendations for point-of-care lung ultrasound in emergency and critical care settings. Developed by an international panel of 28 experts from eight countries, the recommendations aim to standardize the application of lung ultrasound globally and in various clinical settings. The process involved a rigorous scientific approach, including a systematic review of literature from 1966 to 2011, consensus discussions, and peer review. The recommendations were graded using the GRADE method, with strong recommendations for 65 statements and weak/conditional recommendations for 2 statements. The RAND appropriateness method was used for panel decisions. The document includes detailed guidance on the clinical use of lung ultrasound for conditions such as pneumothorax, interstitial syndrome, lung consolidation, pleural effusion, and monitoring of lung diseases. It also addresses the application of lung ultrasound in neonatology and pediatrics. The recommendations emphasize the importance of lung ultrasound in diagnosing and monitoring various lung conditions, particularly in emergency settings where rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial. The document highlights the advantages of lung ultrasound over conventional imaging techniques, including its accuracy, safety, and ability to guide life-saving therapies. The recommendations are intended to guide the implementation, development, and standardization of lung ultrasound in all relevant settings. The document is accompanied by an electronic supplementary material providing a detailed explanation of the methods and a comprehensive discussion of each recommendation. The guidelines are expected to be updated every 4 years or when significant new evidence emerges.This document presents evidence-based recommendations for point-of-care lung ultrasound in emergency and critical care settings. Developed by an international panel of 28 experts from eight countries, the recommendations aim to standardize the application of lung ultrasound globally and in various clinical settings. The process involved a rigorous scientific approach, including a systematic review of literature from 1966 to 2011, consensus discussions, and peer review. The recommendations were graded using the GRADE method, with strong recommendations for 65 statements and weak/conditional recommendations for 2 statements. The RAND appropriateness method was used for panel decisions. The document includes detailed guidance on the clinical use of lung ultrasound for conditions such as pneumothorax, interstitial syndrome, lung consolidation, pleural effusion, and monitoring of lung diseases. It also addresses the application of lung ultrasound in neonatology and pediatrics. The recommendations emphasize the importance of lung ultrasound in diagnosing and monitoring various lung conditions, particularly in emergency settings where rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial. The document highlights the advantages of lung ultrasound over conventional imaging techniques, including its accuracy, safety, and ability to guide life-saving therapies. The recommendations are intended to guide the implementation, development, and standardization of lung ultrasound in all relevant settings. The document is accompanied by an electronic supplementary material providing a detailed explanation of the methods and a comprehensive discussion of each recommendation. The guidelines are expected to be updated every 4 years or when significant new evidence emerges.