Real Time Evaluation of Dynamic Changes of the Lungs During Respiratory Support of VLBW Neonates Using EIT

Real Time Evaluation of Dynamic Changes of the Lungs During Respiratory Support of Very Low Birth Weight (<1500 g) Neonates Using Electric Impedance Tomography

Electric Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a lung monitoring technique based on the injection of small currents and voltage measurements using electrodes on the skin surface generating cross-sectional images representing impedance change in a slice of the thorax. It is a real time, radiation free, non-invasive and portable. Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a respiratory disorder resulting from immaturity of the lung structure and lack of surfactant. It is one the most common conditions in premature infants. Many of these infants require either invasive or non-invasive respiratory support. The goal of the study is to investigate the dynamic changes in pulmonary aeration during assisted breathing in very low birthweight preterm infants using pulmonary electrical impedance tomography. Currently most widely used methods to assess respiratory lung function are either invasive and/or indirect (ABG, pulse oximetry, transcutaneous pCO2 measurement), lacks temporal resolution (lung ultrasound) or emit ionizing radiation (CT). EIT provides information on regional lung aeration without the aforementioned shortcomings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Gestational age <32 weeks OR birthweight <1500 g.
• Need of respiratory therapy (invasive or non-invasive)
• Parental consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• patient does not meet all of the above listed inclusion criteria
• patients with a pacemaker
• patients with skin damage/abrasions at the EIT device belt area
• newborns with significant thoracic deformity