Cerebral NIRS patterns in late preterm and very preterm infants becoming late preterm

Abstract

Background

Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) has been proposed as a useful, noninvasive monitoring technique providing reliable information about central nervous system (CNS) oximetry and function. Recently, brain damage has been reconsidered as a dynamic process evolving over the weeks of gestation. We therefore investigated NIRS cerebral pattern differences between healthy late preterm infants (LPTo) and very preterm infants becoming late preterm (LPT).

Methods

We conducted an observational study in 40 healthy late preterm infants, matched for gestational age at monitoring, of whom 20 where LPTo and 20 LPT. Clinical, diagnostic and laboratory monitoring procedures and cerebral oximetry (crSO₂) and function (cFTOE) were recorded on admission into the study.

Results

No significant differences (p > .05, for all) were found between groups regarding clinical, diagnostic or laboratory parameters. Higher crSO₂ and lower cFTOE (p < .001, for both) were found in the LPTo group.

Conclusions

Our results, showing impaired oximetry and function of CNS in LPT, offer additional support to NIRS parameters as a useful tool for longitudinal CNS monitoring of very preterm infants becoming LPT. Future studies correlating NIRS variables and long-term neurological outcome in LPT are needed to elucidate the concept of dynamic brain damage pathogenesis.

Keywords:

• Cerebral perfusion
• late preterm
• very preterm infants
• near infrared spectroscopy

Acknowledgements

This study is part of the IO PhD International Program, under the auspices of the Italian Society of Neonatology, and was partially supported by grants to Diego Gazzolo from I Colori della Vita Foundation, Italy.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study is part of the IO PhD International Program, under the auspices of the Italian Society of Neonatology, and was partially supported by grants to Diego Gazzolo from I Colori della Vita Foundation, Italy.