The Effect of Umbilical Vein Catheterization on Splanchnic Oxygenation in Preterm Infants

The Effect of Umbilical Vein Catheterization on Splanchnic Oxygenation

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of umbilical vein catheter (UVC) placement on splanchnic oxygenation in preterm infants.

Methods: In our single-center, prospective, observational cohort study, near-infrared spectroscopy probes were placed to monitor regional splanchnic oxygen saturation (rSO2S) and calculate fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FOE) in preterm infants (GA < 34 weeks, BW 1000-2000 g) for one week post-stabilization. Gestational age-matched UVC (+) and (-) Groups were clinically and physiologically compared, before and after UVC placement/removal.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the insertion of an umbilical vein catheter (UVC) affected the splanchnic oxygenation of preterm newborns..

Inclusion Criteria:

• Parents agreed to participate in the study
• Infants born in our hospital, who were followed up in the NICU, with a gestational age of <34 weeks and a birth weight of 1000-2000 grams
• Infants who indicated UVC placement, and for whom NIRS measurements were taken both before and after UVC placement were included in the UVC (+) Study Group
• Infants who did not have a UVC but matched the Study Group regarding gestational age and birth weight constituted the UVC (-) Control Group

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infants who died during the first week of life
• Transferred to another hospital
• Chromosomal anomalies
• Major congenital anomalies affecting splanchnic bed monitoring (such as congenital heart disease, abdominal wall defects, or congenital diaphragmatic hernia)
• Inherited metabolic disorders
• Hydrops fetalis
• TORCH infections
• Multiple organ failure
• Spontaneous intestinal perforation
• Lesions in the area where the NIRS sensor was placed
• If UVC was removed for any reason before 24 hours
• Severe anemia or polycythemia (Infants with a birth hemoglobin (Hb) level of 10 g/dl or below were considered severe anemic, and those with a Hb level of 22 g/dl or above were considered polycythemic)