Pain-related changes in crSO2 among premature infants undergoing PICC insertion

A comparison of the effect of procedural pain on cerebral oxygen saturation between late preterm and term infants

OBJECTIVES

We prospectively compared cerebral oxygen saturation (CrSO2) and pain score changes during procedures in late preterm (LPT) versus term infants.

METHODS

Near-infrared spectroscopy, pulse oximetry, Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R) scores were assessed and CrSO2 data analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty infants in each group were evaluated. LPT infants displayed a milder significant drop in Minimum post-procedural CrSO2 and smaller Maximum-Minimum post-procedural CrSO2 disparity. CrSO2 minute changes between the groups were non-significant. Moderate correlations were observed in both groups between NIPS and Minimum post-procedural CrSO2, and a moderate correlation was found in the Maximum-Minimum post-procedural CrSO2 difference in LPT infants. No correlation between PIPP-R and CrSO2 values was noted.

CONCLUSION

LPT and term infants demonstrated decreased CrSO2 in response to painful procedures. Correlations between CrSO2 and PIPP-R or NIPS scores were poor to moderate, reflecting the complex nature of these associations relative to gestational age.

[Research progress on brain functional near-infrared spectroscopy technology in the field of neonates]

Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an emerging neuroimaging tool that reflects the activity and function of brain neurons by monitoring changes in brain oxygen metabolism based on the neurovascular coupling mechanism. It is non-invasive and convenient, especially suitable for monitoring neonatal brain function. This article provides a comprehensive review of research related to the developmental patterns of brain networks concerning language, music, and emotions in neonates using fNIRS. It also covers brain network imaging in neonatal care, resting-state brain network connectivity patterns, and characteristics of brain functional imaging in disease states of neonates using fNIRS.

Placement of peripherally inserted central catheters in neonates: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are commonly used in neonatal intensive care units for extended intravenous nutrition and therapy. The selection of PICCs insertion sites can significantly influence insertion outcomes and neonatal safety.

AIM

This study aimed to determine the most suitable insertion site in the lower extremities for neonatal PICCs.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective case note review was conducted on PICCs inserted through lower extremity (LE) sites in a 40-bed tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit at a university teaching hospital. The dates when data were accessed for research purposes were from June 2019 to June 2022. In total, 223 neonates were identified as having had PICCs, with 254 catheters inserted in the lower extremities. The STROBE checklist guided the reporting of this study.

RESULTS

Neonates underwent PICC insertion via the LE vein, with an overall complication rate of 13.4% and a one-attempt success rate of puncture of 86.2%. The rates of complications, catheter occlusion, and catheter-related infection in the PICC group with insertion through the great saphenous vein were significantly lower than those in the femoral vein group (p < .05). The success rate was significantly higher than that in the femoral vein group (p < .05). Additionally, the incidence of total complications and catheter occlusion complications with PICC insertion via the right LE was significantly lower than that with insertion via the left LE (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that, when feasible, the saphenous vein in the right LE could be the most suitable insertion site for neonatal PICCs.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

These findings provide insights into the complications, indwelling time, and safety of neonatal PICCs in different LE sites, serving as a valuable reference for clinical practice. This study was retrospective in nature, and all staff involved obtained approved access to patient clinical data. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University (registry number 2022010001).