Hemodynamic reference for neonates of different age and weight: a pilot study with electrical cardiometry

OBJECTIVE: Electrical cardiometry (EC) is an impedance-based monitor that provides noninvasive, real-time hemodynamic assessment. However, the reference values for neonates have not been established. STUDY DESIGN: EC (Aesculon) was applied to hemodynamically stable preterm and term infants. Hemodynamic variables included cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume (SV) and heart rate (HR). Their gestational age (GA), weight and body surface area (BSA) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 280 neonates were studied. Their GA ranged from 265/7 to 414/7 weeks, weight 800 to 4420 g and BSA 0.07 to 0.26 m(2). CO was positively correlated to GA, weight and BSA (r = 0.681, 0.822, 0.830, respectively; all p<0.001). Using regression analysis, CO was most significantly correlated to BSA. Mean CI was 2.55 +/- 0.37 l min(-1) per m(2). CONCLUSION: Hemodynamic reference by EC is notably distinct among neonates of diverse maturity. CO is most closely correlated to BSA.