Noninvasive Blood Pressure Measurement In Newborn

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : Non invasive techniques estimate blood pressure by analysing changes in flow produced by
compressing an artery in an extremity and monitoring an effect related to compression either by palpation or
auscultation assessment or with some externally placed transducer.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : To study blood pressure measurement in neonates by indirect oscillometric method
and pulse oximeter and to compare the both.
MATERIALS AND METHODS : This prospective study was conducted on 100 cases selected from L.G. Hospital.
50 neonates from NICU and 50 from postnatal wards were selected. Neonates requiring inotropes, crying
neonates and congenital anomalies like CHD were excluded from the study. With an appropriate size cuff, blood
pressure was recorded in neonates using indirect oscillometric method and pulse oximeter applied. Pressure was
raised in 10mm increments every 5 seconds and the pressure at disappearance and reappearance of
plethysmogram was noted and compared with blood pressure.
RESULTS : Mean systolic blood pressure in 50 sick and healthy term neonates by NIBP was 60.80+/-11.68 and
69.74+/- 8.55 mm of Hg respectively. Mean pressure of reappearance of BP in sick and healthy term neonates by
pulse oximeter was 62.62+/- 12.68 and 73.36+/- 12.34 mm of Hg respectively. Blood pressure is affected by
gestational age in weeks. It is lower in premature infants than full term infants.
CONCLUSION : Systolic BP correlated better with pulse oximeter BP recording taken at reappearance (RP)
plethysmogram. This method of systolic blood pressure measurement is simple, non invasive, accurate and
reliable.