Normal cerebral, renal and abdominal regional oxygen saturations using near-infrared spectroscopy in preterm infants.
McNeill, S 1; Gatenby, J C 2; McElroy, S 1; Engelhardt, B 1
[Article] Journal of Perinatology. 31(1):51-57, January 2011.

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Objective: The aim of this study is to characterize baseline regional oxygen saturations (rSO2) in stable preterm infants during the first weeks of life.

Study Design: Cerebral, renal and abdominal rSO2 were continuously monitored from the time of birth to 21 days in twelve preterm infants of 29-34 weeks gestation. Regional saturations were evaluated for trends over time, variability and differences between gestational ages (GAs) and reported pediatric values.

Result: Both cerebral (66-83%) and renal (64-87%) rSO2 baselines were within the range of reported neonatal values but consistently decreased over the first weeks of life (P < 0.01). The baseline abdominal rSO2 was 32-66% and increased with GA (P=0.05). The rSO2 variability was lowest for cerebral measurements and highest at the abdomen. Abdominal rSO2 variability decreased over time (P <= 0.05).

Conclusion: Daily baseline rSO2 in preterm infants changes over the first weeks of life, especially at the abdomen. Evolution in baseline rSO2 over time may indicate regional developmental maturation of physiological oxygen balance.

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