Correlation of transcutaneous hepatic near‐infrared spectroscopy readings with liver surface readings and perfusion parameters in a piglet endotoxemic shock model

Abstract

To determine whether transcutaneous liver near-infrared spectrophotometry (NIRS) measurements correlate with NIRS measurements taken directly from the liver surface, and invasive blood flow measurements. Laparotomy was performed in 12 Yorkshire piglets, and ultrasound blood flow probes were placed on the hepatic artery and portal vein. Intravascular catheters were inserted into the hepatic and portal veins for intermittent blood sampling, and a pulmonary artery catheter was inserted via the jugular vein for cardiac output measurements. NIRS optodes were placed on skin overlying the liver and directly across the right hepatic lobe. Endotoxemic shock was induced by continuous infusion of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide O55:B5. Pearson's correlations were calculated between the NIRS readings and the perfusion parameters. After endotoxemic shock induction, liver blood flow, and oxygen delivery decreased significantly. There were statistically significant correlations between the transcutaneous and liver-surface NIRS readings for oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and cytochrome c oxidase concentrations. There were similar significant correlations of the transcutaneous oxyhemoglobin with both the mixed venous and hepatic vein saturation, and mixed venous and hepatic vein lactate. Transcutaneous NIRS readings of the liver, in an endotoxemic shock model, correlate with NIRS readings taking directly from the liver surface, as well as with global and specific organ-perfusion parameters.