Near infrared spectroscopy and patent ductus arteriosus in the preterm neonate: A systematic review

IntroductionNear infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an inexpensive, bedside monitor of tissue oxygenation that may be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of preterm patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).PurposeTo systematically review the literature in order to determine the extent to which NIRS is used in the diagnosis and treatment of PDA and its outcomes in preterm infants.MethodsPubMed, Cochrane, and CINAHL were searched using the terms “near infrared spectroscopy” AND “patent ductus arteriosus.”ResultsNIRS is able to detect changes in regional oxygen saturations that result from hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus. It is also able to detect changes that occur as a result of successful treatment, and the common concerning side effects of PDA therapy. Changes in NIRS values predict intraventricular hemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis.ConclusionsNIRS may aid the clinician in identifying a hemodynamically significant PDA, and provide information on organ perfusion to guide treatment decisions.