Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025
A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
Implementing point of care ultrasound in the neonatal intensive care unit: a safety study
Eileen Cowan1,2, Ryan D Meinen3,4, Michael R Lasarev5
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA. ecowan@pediatrics.wisc.edu.
Objective:
Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) use is increasing in pediatrics and has been demonstrated to be superior in identifying central catheter tip location in neonatal intensive care units. However, limited data exist regarding cardiorespiratory changes secondary to POCUS in neonates.
Study Design:
A prospective observational equivalence study was performed on 50 POCUS assessments of central catheter tip location in 46 patients ≥23 weeks gestation. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and percent oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels were collected before and after POCUS. Limits of equivalence were set in advance.
Result:
Equivalence was demonstrated in HR, RR, and SpO2 before and after POCUS. HR decreased by 3.24 beats per minute (90% CI: -5.36, -1.14). RR increased by 0.71 breath/min (90% CI: -1.84, +3.27). SpO2 increased by 0.54 percentage points (90% CI: -0.23, +1.31).
Conclusion:
Identifying central catheter tip location using POCUS in neonates appears safe without affecting cardiorespiratory stability.
