The influence of behavioural states on cerebral blood flow velocity patterns in stable preterm infants.
Previous Doppler ultrasound studies assessing cerebral blood flow velocities in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) among healthy term and preterm infants, showed a widespread range for the calculated flow indices. However, only one of these studies accounted for the infant's behavioural state. In the present study a stable pattern of the cerebral blood flow velocity tracings and of the Pulsatility Index (PI) was observed during state 1, whereas marked fluctuations in cerebral blood flow velocity and PI were found during state 4 or active wakefulness. During state 2, minor variations of cerebral blood flow velocity and PI occurred though tended to be less pronounced than during active wakefulness. Thus at the time of Doppler assessment the cerebral blood flow velocity pattern and its variability will be better understood by taking into account the behavioural state of the infant.
Ramaekers
V T
VT
Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, University Hospitals Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
Casaer
P
P
Daniels
H
H
Smet
M
M
Marchal
G
G
D001519:Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000502:physiology*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D014465:Ultrasonics