USCOM Parameters in Preterm Infants: Reference Ranges

Hemodynamic Evaluation in Preterm Babies Using UltraSonic Cardiac Output Monitor (USCOM)

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the feasibility of hemodynamic measurement by the UltraSonic Cardiac Output Monitor (USCOM) in very preterm or very-low-birth-weight infants. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1) establishing reference ranges for USCOM parameters in this specific population, 2) assessing the effect of patients' characteristics and other possible confounders on USCOM parameters, and 3) evaluating the short-term repeatability of the measurement. Participants will receive USCOM measurements on 3, 7, and 14 postnatal days.

Inclusion Criteria:

• gestational age at birth below 32 weeks and/or
• birth weight (BW) below 1500 g

Exclusion Criteria:

• congenital heart diseases,
• hemodynamic instability requiring drugs that affect hemodynamics (e.g., inotropes)