Neuropediatrics 1997; 28(2): 111-115
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-973682
Original articles

© Hippokrates Verlag GmbH Stuttgart

The Effect of Behavioural States on Cerebral Oxygenation During Endotracheal Suctioning of Preterm Babies

G. Bernert1 , 2 , K. v. Siebenthal1 , 3 , R. Seidl2 , Ch. Vanhole1 , H. Devlieger1 , P. Casaer1
  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Neonatal Medicine, Developmental Neurology Research Unit, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
  • 2Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna, Austria,
  • 3Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Zürich, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
13 March 2007 (online)

Abstract

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to investigate the effect of behavioural states on changes of oxygenated (O2Hb), deoxygenated haemoglobin (HHb) and total haemoglobin (tHb), during endotracheal suctioning. In an open prospective design, NIRS measurements have been done during 20 suctioning episodes in 13 preterm neonates. Heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, and carbon dioxide tension were monitored continuously. Behavioural state (BS) observations were made and documented as well.

The statistical analysis showed that in patients who were active, with crying periods during suctioning (behavioural states 4-5), changes of oxygenated (p < 0.005) and deoxygenated haemoglobin (p < 0.05), as well as of arterial oxygen saturation (p < 0.05) and heart rate (p < 0.05) were significantly greater than in patients who were quiet with predominant behavioural state 1, 2 and 3. These results underline the influence of behavioural states on the physiological answers to endotracheal suctioning. NIRS proved to be a valuable tool to evaluate possible harmful effects of different suctioning techniques.

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