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Factors that affect the postnatal increase in superior mesenteric artery blood flow velocity in very low birth weight

Thomas Havranek1, Branko Miladinovic, Rajan Wadhawan

  • 1Saint Louis University-Pediatrics, 1465 South Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA. thavrane@slu.edu

Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|September 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Factors influencing superior mesenteric artery blood flow velocity (SMA BFV) in infants were identified. Enteral feeding positively impacted SMA BFV increase, while ventilation and hyperalimentation showed negative associations.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Vascular hemodynamics

Background:

  • Superior mesenteric artery blood flow velocity (SMA BFV) is a critical indicator of gastrointestinal perfusion in neonates.
  • Understanding factors influencing postnatal SMA BFV is essential for optimizing infant care, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate clinical factors associated with the postnatal increase in superior mesenteric artery blood flow velocity (SMA BFV).

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal measurements of SMA BFV were conducted in 35 infants from day of life 1 to 14.
  • Latent curve modeling (LCM) analyzed individual changes in BFV and correlations with baseline values.
  • Non-parametric correlations assessed relationships between BFV and other clinical variables.

Main Results:

  • Significant variability in SMA BFV was observed on day of life 1, with a notable increase from day 1 to 14.
  • Higher enteral feeding volumes correlated with greater increases in SMA BFV.
  • Positive pressure ventilation and hyperalimentation were associated with diminished increases in SMA BFV.

Conclusions:

  • Clinical factors, including enteral feeding, positive pressure ventilation, and hyperalimentation, significantly influence the postnatal trajectory of SMA BFV.
  • Latent curve modeling proves effective for studying longitudinal changes in heterogeneous very low birth weight (VLBW) infant populations.
Abstract

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