NIRS Monitoring in the NICU and AKI

Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Monitoring as an Early Predictor of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in a Vulnerable Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Population

The primary objective of this study is to describe the pattern of renal tissue oxygen saturation (SrSO2) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in premature infants <30 weeks gestational age. The secondary objective of this study is to evaluate prenatal and postnatal risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in premature infants <30 weeks gestational age. The investigators will also compare various rates of complications including death, length-of-stay, and prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation, among others.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Any neonate less than 30 weeks in gestational age
• Willingness and capacity of both adult parents/guardians to sign consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• An infant with known congenital anomalies of the kidney (i.e., grade 4 or 5 vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), posterior urethral valves, moderate or severe hydronephrosis, autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), bilateral renal agenesis or dysplasia)
• Age >30 weeks gestational age
• Age <24 weeks and <500 grams (will be excluded due to sensitivity of skin in this vulnerable population).
• Clinician's decision that NIRS is not suitable due to the patient's clinical condition