Is NIRS monitoring well tolerated in term and preterm neonates?

Background. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a new, non-invasive monitoring method in neonates, which has now be-come part of routine monitoring in many neonatal intensive care units (NICU). New, additional, non-invasive technical moni-toring might have an influence on neonatal wellbeing.

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the wellbeing of neonates during peripheral and cerebral NIRS mon-itoring and venous occlusions.

Methods. In the present study, secondary outcome parameters of prospective ob-servational studies with NIRS in term and preterm neonates were analysed. Heart rate (HR), arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate (RR), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), pain score and skin condition at four defined time points dur-ing NIRS measurements of regional tissue oxygenation were recorded and analysed. Results. Thirty-six term and preterm neo-nates were included (gestational age (GA) 36±1 week, 2779±930g birth weight). SpO2 and peripheral tissue oxygenation index (pTOI) increased and HR dropped while RR, mean MABP and pain scores re-mained unchanged during NIRS measure-ments. In eight infants, a mildly irritated area of skin was noted where the NIRS sen-sors had been attached.

Conclusion. Cerebral and peripheral NIRS monitoring and venous occlusions were painless and well tolerated by term and preterm neonates.

neonates, NIRS, vital signs

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