Use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in cerebral tissue oxygenation monitoring in neonates

Abstract

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a technology capable of non-invasive, continuous measuring of regional tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂). StO₂ represents a state of hemodynamic stability, which is influenced by many factors. Extensive research has been done in the field of measuring StO₂ of various organs. The current clinical availability of several NIRS-based devices reflects an important development in prevention, detection and correction of discrepancy in oxygen delivery to the brain and vital organs. Managing cerebral ischemia remains a significant issue in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Cerebral tissue oxygenation (cStO₂) and cerebral fractional tissue extraction (cFTOE) are reported in a large number of clinical studies. This review provides a summary of the concept of function, current variability of NIRS-based devices used in neonatology, clinical applications in continuous cStO₂ monitoring, limitations, disadvantages, and the potential of current technology.

Keywords: cerebral monitoring; cerebral tissue oxygenation; near-infrared spectroscopy; neonate.