PP06.13 – 2344: Mathematical modeling of cerebral oxygenation in premature infants

Abstract

Objective Fluctuating cerebral blood flow (CBF) is the most important cause of germinal matrix hemorrhage which is a life threatening complication of premature birth. Cerebral oxygenation is reported to be an indirect measure of CBF. Our aim is to develop mathematical modeling techniques for assessing the interaction between CBF and cerebral oxygenation. Methods A model of CBF in premature infants with accounting for the effect of the germinal matrix is under development in our group. It couples a model of blood vessel network [1] with a model of cerebral autoregulation [2]. Moreover, a hysteretic dependency of CBF on the arterial blood pressure and a mechanism of controlling CBF are included into our model. Further enhancement of this combined model supposes the incorporation of mathematical models of oxygen transport in brain microvasculature and brain tissue. Results Mathematical models of oxygen transport [3] are adapted to premature brain and both the oxygenation of cerebral blood and brain tissue are simulated. Using these simulations, the influence of CBF and the effect of vessel damage on the oxygen delivery is investigated. Finally, the possibility of coupling diverse oxygen transport models with the above CBF model is considered. Conclusion Mathematical modeling of CBF in premature newborns with accounting for the information about cerebral oxygenation can help in the prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia.