ABSTRACT 242

Abstract

Background and aims: Recently, in adults mean systemic filling pressure (Pmsf) is described as a promising predictor of volume responsiveness. However, these findings on fluid responsiveness in adults cannot simply be extrapolated to neonates, since there is a rather large difference between neonatal and adult physiology. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility of measuring Pmsf in neonates. Aims: To investigate the feasibility of measuring Pmsf in neonates. Methods: 5 neonates with a peripheral arterial catheter were included after approval of the hospital ethics committee and informed consent of the parents was obtained. Pmsf was defined as the arterial pressure at 30 seconds after the start of occluding arterial flow by inflating a cuff to a pressure of around 150 mmHg with a manual sphygmomanometer. Three consecutive measurements were performed. Results: In all patients arterial pressure drops after start of occlusion and convergences to an equilibrium, see figure as example. In 4 out of 5 patients, the obtained Pmsf value was reproducible in the three consecutive measurements with a coefficient of variation of 9.9 ± 11.1 %. In 2 patients movement artefacts in the arterial pressure curve were observed. Not in all patient an equilibrium was reached within 30 seconds.FigureConclusions: It is feasible to measure Pmsf in neonates, supporting the ability of Pmsf to predict volume responsiveness. However, optimisation of the technique is necessary when investigating Pmsf in relation with volume responsiveness.