Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive technique that monitors regional tissue oxygenation reflecting perfusion status. Near-infrared spectroscopy has the ability to continuously and simultaneously monitor tissue perfusion in different organ systems at the bedside without interrupting routine care. Research has demonstrated its benefit in monitoring cerebral, intestinal, and renal perfusion to detect potential ischemic episodes. Near-infrared spectroscopy can augment current physiologic monitoring to increase awareness of abnormal perfusion status in the preterm population and potentially reduce risks associated with many diseases that may lead to ischemic injury. This article provides an overview describing NIRS technology and function, its current use in neonatology, and pertinent research findings illustrating its benefit in the neonatal population. Near-infrared spectroscopy may evolve into an important diagnostic and prognostic tool for neonatal treatment and outcome.
Background Recent evidence suggests that antecedent packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions increase the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the most common gastrointestinal emergency encountered by very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The underlying mechanism for this association is unknown. Altered oxygenation of the mesenteric vasculature during PRBC transfusion has been hypothesized to contribute to NEC development and was investigated in this study. Study design and methods Oxygenation patterns among four VLBW infants who developed transfusion-related NEC (TR-NEC) were compared to four VLBW infants with similar gestational age who were transfused but did not develop NEC (non-NEC). Cerebral and mesenteric patterns were recorded before, during and 48 hours subsequent to PRBC transfusion using near-infrared spectroscopy technology (NIRS). Percentage change from mean baseline regional saturation (rSO2) values and cerebro- splanchnic oxygenation ratio (CSOR) were analyzed. Results All TR-NEC infants (24–29 weeks gestation; 705–1080 grams) demonstrated greater variation in mesenteric oxygenation patterns surrounding transfusions than non-NEC infants (27.6–30 weeks gestation; 980–1210 grams). TR-NEC infants received larger mean volumes of total blood (27.75 ml/kg ± 8.77) than non-NEC infants (15.25ml/kg ± 0.5). Conclusion Wide fluctuation and decreases in mesenteric oxygenation patterns are more pronounced in TR-NEC infants, especially prior to TR-NEC onset, as compared to non-NEC infants. Greater total volume of infused blood was associated with TR-NEC in preterm infants. Using NIRS, larger prospective studies are needed to further evaluate potential risk factors for NEC in this high risk population.
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