Systematic neuromonitoring – our treatment program for premature infants
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13112/pc.1206Keywords:
Infant, Premature; Ultrasonography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Spectroscopy, Near-InfraredAbstract
Preterm birth remains a major global health challenge and is associated with significant long-term neurodevelopmental morbidity. Modern neonatal care increasingly relies on an integrated neuromonitoring approach that combines structural and functional assessment of the preterm brain. Serial cranial ultrasound represents the cornerstone of bedside monitoring due to its availability, safety, and ability to detect intraventricular hemorrhage and cystic white matter injury. However, magnetic resonance imaging provides superior sensitivity for detecting non-cystic white matter lesions and subtle structural abnormalities, allowing more accurate prognostic evaluation. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) adds a functional dimension by enabling continuous monitoring of regional cerebral oxygen saturation and autoregulatory stability, particularly during the first days of life when the risk of brain injury is highest. The integration of clinical assessment with multimodal neuromonitoring facilitates early identification of high-risk infants and supports timely therapeutic interventions aimed at optimizing hemodynamics, ventilation, and oxygenation. Such a systematic and comprehensive strategy has the potential to improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
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