Measurement of lung oxygenation by near-infrared spectroscopy in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome: A proof-of-concept study.

INTRODUCTION

Noninvasive markers more accurate than FiO2 would be useful to assess the severity of RDS and guide its treatment. Our aim was to assess for the first time the possibility of continuously monitoring lung oxygenation (rSO2 L) by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and to evaluate whether rSO2 L correlates with other oxygenation indices and RDS severity.

METHODS

We carried out this proof-of-concept study on 20 preterm infants with RDS requiring noninvasive respiratory support. Patients were continuously studied for 24 h by NIRS and rSO2 L was correlated with SpO2 /FiO2 ratio, a/APO2 , and O.I.

RESULTS

The overall value of rSO2 L was 80.1 ± 6.2%, without significant differences between the right and left hemithorax (80.2 ± 6.7 vs. 80.0 ± 5.7%; p = 0.869). Mean values of total, right, and left rSO2 L did not significantly change during the 24-h study period. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship between total rSO2 L and SpO2 /FiO2 ratio (p < 0.001) and a/APO2 (p = 0.040), and a negative relationship between total rSO2 L and O.I. (r = -0.309; p = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous monitoring of rSO2 L by NIRS in preterm infants with RDS is feasible and safe. The correlation of rSO2 L with other indices of oxygenation and RDS severity supports the accuracy and reliability of this measurement.