Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measured tissue oxygenation in neonates with gastroschisis: a pilot study

Background Management of gastroschisis involves either primary or staged closure. Bowel ischemia and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are possible complications that can be related to a method of treatment. NIRS monitoring has never been applied in this group of patients and may allow for earlier detection of complications. Objective To assess near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring in neonates with gastroschisis for detecting changes in tissue oxygenation (rSO(2)) related to bowel reductions or height of bowel in the silo and for detecting tissue ischemia. Methods Patients with gastroschisis and controls underwent continuous multi-channel assessment of oxygenation of the brain (CrSO2), kidney (RrSO(2)) and bowel (GrSO(2)) in a prospective pilot study. Results Fifteen neonates were treated with primary closure (n = 3) or staged closure (n = 12); two had confirmed bowel ischemia, none developed ACS. There was no significant correlation between height of the bowel and GrSO(2) at apex (p = .72) or base (p = .54) within the silo. During staged reductions there was a clinically non-significant change in RrSO(2) (Delta-2.5%, p = .04), but no significant changes in CrSO2 (p = .11), and GrSO(2) of apex (p = .97) and base (p = .31). Patients with confirmed ischemia had GrSO(2) that were lower than controls. Conclusions Measuring GrSO(2) through a silo is feasible. Staged reduction seems safe based on NIRS measurements, with minimal effect of hydrostatic pressure on bowel oxygenation. NIRS was able to detect subtle changes in intra-abdominal renal perfusion during reduction and could differentiate healthy and ischemic bowel.