Abstract
Abstract Computer models of neonatal oxygenation could serve as a tool for a comprehensive comparison of closed-loop automated oxygen control systems. The behaviour of such models depends, besides the input data of the inspired fraction of oxygen and the premature infant's breath pattern, on internal parameters of the model. The aim of this study was to perform a sensitivity analysis of a computer model of neonatal oxygen transport to clarify the influence of its internal physiological parameters on the output signal of peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). We performed a multi-parameter sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulations for randomly generated values of eight internal parameters. The influence on the model output SpO2 signal was evaluated using five characteristics of the output signal. The relations between the parameters and the output characteristics were displayed using scatter plots and analysed by linear correlation, standardized regression, and partial correlation. The main result of the study is that in our model the oxygen consumption in the tissue and the cardiac output have the greatest influence on the SpO2 drop and minimal SpO2 value during simulated desaturation. The rate of development of desaturation and its duration are most affected by the diffusion resistance of the alveolar-capillary membrane. The results of the sensitivity analysis will help to optimize the performance of the computer model of neonatal oxygen transport.
Highlights
Closed-loop automated oxygen control systems for neonates have become commercially available
A computer model of neonatal oxygen transport allows a comprehensive comparison of available automatic control algorithms, but it can provide a verification platform to facilitate the development of the control algorithms [3]
The high value of the oxygen consumption parameter in the model means stronger desaturation manifested both by a lower absolute minimum of the SpO2 signal and a more significant SpO2 drop. Both the output signal characteristics are affected by cardiac output (FB), which systematically affects the baseline of the SpO2 signal
Summary
Closed-loop automated oxygen control systems for neonates have become commercially available. A computer model of neonatal oxygen transport allows a comprehensive comparison of available automatic control algorithms, but it can provide a verification platform to facilitate the development of the control algorithms [3]. Morozoff et al [4] developed a model of neonatal oxygen transport consisting of the respiratory and circulatory system part that were linked by the oxygen dissociation curve (ODC) and scaled to a neonate weighing 1.5 kg. This model used the concept of shunts to simulate pathological conditions in a neonate. The search for optimal values of internal parameters of the model with respect to available neonatal clinical data raised a question of the relative influence of the parameters on the model output signal, SpO2
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