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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Functional vessel density in the first month of life in preterm neonates
Julia Kroth1, Kathrin Weidlich, Stephan Hiedl
1Clinic of Dermatology and Allerology, University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany.
Insights
Functional small vessel density in preterm infants decreases in the first month. Hemoglobin levels and incubator temperature significantly impact this microcirculation metric, essential for understanding neonatal circulatory changes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Physiology
- Microcirculation Research
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Microcirculatory changes are critical in various disease processes.
- Understanding neonatal microcirculation is vital for infant health.
- Premature infants face unique circulatory challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing skin microcirculation in preterm infants during the first postnatal month.
- To assess red blood cell velocity, vessel diameter, and functional small vessel density (FSVD).
- To establish a baseline for future microcirculation studies in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Daily measurements of microvascular parameters on the upper arm of preterm infants (gestational age <30 wk) for 30 days.
- Utilized Orthogonal Polarization Spectral (OPS) imaging analyzed with Capi-Scope-Image software.
- Monitored red blood cell velocity, vessel diameter, and functional small vessel density (FSVD).
Main Results:
- FSVD significantly decreased from week 1 to week 4 in preterm infants.
- FSVD showed a direct correlation with hemoglobin (Hb) levels and incubator temperature.
- Vessel diameter, RBC velocity, and clinical parameters like blood pressure remained stable.
Conclusions:
- Skin microcirculation in preterm infants is influenced by Hb levels and incubator temperature.
- FSVD is a key indicator of microcirculatory changes in the early postnatal period.
- These findings provide essential data for further research into neonatal circulatory dynamics.
Abstract:
Changes in microcirculation have been recognized as central to many disease processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors, which influence the microcirculation of the skin during the first month of life in premature infants. Red blood cell (RBC) velocity, vessel diameter, and functional small vessel density (FSVD) were measured daily for the first 30 d on the upper arm in preterm infants with gestational age <30 wk. Orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) images were analyzed off-line with the Capi- Scope-Image program. In 25 infants, FSVD decreased significantly from week 1 (mean +/- SD 236 +/- 33 cm/cm2) to week 4 (207 +/- 30 cm/cm2) and correlated directly with Hb levels and incubator temperature. Vessel diameters and RBC velocity did not change significantly, nor did clinical parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate or body temperature. Microvascular parameters were not dependent on gestational or postnatal age. The microcirculation of the skin might be an easily accessible window to obtain better understanding of circulatory changes in the postnatal period. Our data are essential as basis for further studies in this field. Hb levels and possible incubator temperatures have a substantial influence on functional small vessel density and therefore need to be taken in account.
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