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Non-invasive Optical Measurement of Cerebral Metabolism and Hemodynamics in Infants
Published on: March 14, 2013
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Transitional Changes in Cerebral Blood Volume at Birth.
Bernhard Schwaberger1, Gerhard Pichler, Corinna Binder-Heschl
1Research Unit for Cerebral Development and Oximetry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Neonatology
|September 5, 2015
Summary
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) revealed that cerebral blood volume (CBV) significantly decreased in healthy newborns during the first 15 minutes after birth, suggesting a normal physiological adjustment.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows non-invasive monitoring of oxygenated (ΔHbO2) and reduced (ΔHbR) hemoglobin concentrations.
- Changes in total hemoglobin (ΔHbT) measured by NIRS reflect alterations in cerebral blood volume (CBV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic changes in cerebral blood volume (CBV) in term infants during the immediate postnatal period.
Main Methods:
- An observational study involving term infants without respiratory support.
- NIRS measurements were performed using the 'NIRO 200-NX' device within the first 15 minutes post-birth.
Main Results:
- 109 healthy term infants (mean gestational age 38.6 weeks) were included.
- A consistent decrease in total hemoglobin (ΔHbT) was observed throughout the 15-minute study period.
- This decrease in ΔHbT corresponded to a mean reduction in CBV of 1.0 ml/100 g brain.
Conclusions:
- Cerebral blood volume (CBV) demonstrated a decreasing trend in healthy newborns during immediate postnatal transition.
- This observed CBV behavior is likely indicative of a physiological adaptation.
- Further research is needed to explore the clinical significance of varying CBV patterns during this critical period.
