Utility of near infrared spectroscopy for the screening of the growth restricted fetus.

A myriad of factors have been linked to increased risk for intrauterine growth restriction and the associated complications; the majority of which are based on observational statistics of demographics, socioeconomics and patient history. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of factors available that can appropriately address the underlying anatomy and physiology responsible for intrauterine growth restriction. To this point, it becomes necessary to use data acquisition modalities capable of addressing both the etiology and pathology in an effort to improve clinical management strategies. Near-infrared spectroscopy, although not traditionally used in standard, clinical screening has proven valuable for risk assessment in a number of recent investigational studies. Simulations based on the current literature are presented to assess near infrared spectroscopy utility regarding the ability to distinguish between the normal fetus and the growth restricted fetus. Findings are presented for all simulated data as well as the equipment-specific data derived from the NIRO-100 system (Hamamatsu Photonics, Hamamatsu, Japan). Results suggest an overall sensitivity and specificity on the order of 62% and 58%, respectively, and NIRO-100 sensitivity and specificity on the order of 85% and 92%, respectively.