Clinical application of near infrared spectroscopy to neonatal intensive care

Twenty-five neonates receiving intensive care were monitored to determine the value of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for bedside assessment of cerebral oxygenation. NIRS gives a real-time measure of changes in oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, blood volume, and cytochrome aa₃. Periods of cerebral oxygen insufficiency unassessed by standard monitoring techniques were detected, and rapid changes were observed in cerebral oxygenation in response to different care procedures and therapies. Most importantly, this technique provides an opportunity to study neonatal physiology and the pathophysiology of disease processes