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Updated: May 9, 2026

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
Determinants of neonatal blood pressure
Alison L Kent1, Tejasvi Chaudhari
1Department of Neonatology, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra Hospital, PO Box 11, Woden, 2606, ACT, Australia, alison.kent@act.gov.au.
Abstract:
Blood pressure (BP) measurements have been increasingly used across neonatal intensive care units to determine and monitor hemodynamic status in neonates. A number of studies have attempted to derive normative blood pressure data in both preterm and term infants. However, this still remains a complex process, as several maternal and neonatal factors influence neonatal blood pressure. Maternal conditions, including hypertension and preeclampsia, seem to have some impact on neonatal BP, while maternal drugs, in particular antenatal steroids, seem to have a strong influence. Among the neonatal factors, gestational age, post-conceptual age and weight seem to have the strongest influence. The paucity of data on the short and long term effects of maternal conditions and medication on neonatal BP requires further research.
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