Use of NIRS in Preterm Population Born at Altitude

Utilization of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Technology to Determine Normative Cerebral Regional Oxygen Saturation in a Preterm Population Born at Altitude

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), is a technology that can provide continuous, non-invasive monitoring of oxygenation in tissue. The objective of this study is to obtain the cerebral regional oxygen saturation (cRSO2) in a preterm population that is born at altitude to determine if the range of "normal" values is different than those obtained at sea level.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Infant must be <32 weeks' gestational age at time of delivery.
• Consenting mother/guardian of the infant must speak English. Other languages are not being included due to the need of a translator being brought into the unit, which adds risk to the vulnerable population. Additionally, as the time to consent is a narrow window, adding the complexity of getting a translator may delay the ability to get consent and thus make it more difficult to enroll patients.
• Infants that require blood transfusions during the monitoring time may be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any known cardiac anomaly or other anomaly which may impair perfusion and blood flow.
• Infant born after placental abruption or concern for extreme blood loss immediately after birth.
• Unable to consent the mother/guardian due to maternal health issues after delivering (eg requiring intubation or sedation after the delivery).
• Mothers/guardians that are prisoners, as the study team would like to have continuing communication with the mother during the study period as needed.
• Mothers/guardians that are <18 years of age will not be approached for consent.
• Any mother/guardian that is not able to consent due to having a legal representative will not be approached for consent in this study.
• Any infant that is planned to be placed for adoption
• Infant is greater than 24 hours of age at time of consent.