Abstract
Aim: Aim of the present study was to analyse the influence of postnatal age on peripheral oxygenation in healthy term neonates during the first week of life.
Methods: Peripheral oxygenation was measured by means of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in combination with the venous occlusion method. Measurements were performed by placing the NIRS optodes on the left forearm. Venous occlusions were obtained by a pneumatic cuff around the left upper arm. Central and peripheral temperatures were measured continuously, as well as by means of pulsoximetry heart rate and peripheral arterial oxygen saturation were measured continuously. Arterial blood pressure was measured before and after venous occlusions. Oxygen delivery (DO2), oxygen consumption (VO2), fractional oxygen extraction (FOE), and tissue oxygenation index (TOI) were analysed and compared to postnatal age.
Results: 131 measurements were performed in 90 term neonates. Gestational age was 39,5+/−1,1 weeks, birth weight 3364+/−435 g, and postnatal age 46+/−33 hours. Peripheral arterial oxygen saturation was 96,3+/−1,8 %, heart rate 114+/−11 /minute, mean arterial blood pressure 54,4+/−6,8 mmHg, central temperature 37+/−0,3 degree Celsius, and peripheral temperature 34,3+/−1 degree Celsius. DO2 was 140+/−74 μmol/100ml/minute, VO2 46+/−23 μmol/100ml/minute, FOE 0,34+/−0,11 and TOI 65+/−6. DO2 was independent of age. VO2 and FOE increased with increasing age, whereas TOI decreased with increasing age.
Conclusion: The present study in term neonates demonstrated changes in peripheral oxygenation in healthy term neonates during the first week of life. Reason for this observation seems to be changes in the peripheral muscular oxygen consumption.
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Pichler, G., Urlesberger, B., Grossauer, K. et al. 292 Age Dependent Changes of the Peripheral Oxygenation in Healthy Term Neonates. Pediatr Res 58, 405 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200508000-00321
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200508000-00321