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Splanchnic oxygenation during phototherapy in preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia

Carlo Dani1, Martina Ciarcià2, Francesca Miselli2

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy.

Early Human Development
|September 9, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Phototherapy (PT) in preterm infants significantly decreases splanchnic oxygenation, impacting blood flow redistribution. This finding may explain feeding intolerance observed during PT for hyperbilirubinemia.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Physiology
  • Medical Devices and Instrumentation

Background:

  • Preterm infants may experience feeding intolerance during phototherapy.
  • Phototherapy's impact on mesenteric perfusion in preterm infants is a concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if phototherapy decreases regional splanchnic oxygenation (rSO₂S).
  • To assess changes using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of preterm infants (25-34 weeks gestation) with hyperbilirubinemia.
  • Measurement of rSO₂S, oxygen extraction fraction (FOES), and cerebrosplanchnic oxygenation ratio (CSOR) before, during, and after phototherapy.
  • Utilized near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for measurements.

Main Results:

  • Phototherapy significantly decreased rSO₂S and CSOR.
  • These reductions persisted for several hours post-treatment.
  • FOES showed a non-significant increase during phototherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Phototherapy reduces splanchnic oxygenation in preterm infants, likely via vasodilation and blood flow redistribution.
  • This mechanism may underlie the link between phototherapy and feeding intolerance in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Feeding intoleranceNear infrared spectroscopyPhototherapySplanchnic oxygenation

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