Effects of Different Body Positions and Head Elevation Angles on Regional Cerebral Oxygen Saturation in Premature Infants of China

Abstract

BackgroundTo investigate the effects of different body positions and head elevation angles on regional cerebral oxygen saturation in premature infants using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). MethodsThis was a prospective study of premature infants hospitalized. The position was changed each feeding cycle (2–3 h), in order: 15° prone, 15° supine, 0° prone, and 0° supine position. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) was measured after each position period using NIRS, over 7 days. FindingsThirty-three premature infants were included in the analysis. Among them, 22 (66.7%) were male, and 11 (33.3%) were female. When placing the premature infants in the prone position, the regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) values were higher at head elevation 15° compared with 0° (main effect P < 0.001). When placing the premature infants in the supine position, rSO2 was higher at a head elevation of 15° compared with that at 0° (main effect P < 0.001). When placing the premature infants with a head elevation of 15°, rSO2 in the prone position was higher than that of the supine position (main effect P < 0.001). There was no difference between the prone and supine positions when placing the premature infants with the head elevation at 0° (P > 0.05). DiscussionHigher cerebral rSO2 can be achieved when placing premature infants in the prone or supine position, with a 15° head elevation angle. Application to practiceUsing a specific body position and head angle could improve the regional cerebral oxygen saturation of premature infants.