Efficacy of Electrical Cardiometry in Hemodynamic Status Monitoring of Septic Preterm Neonates: A quasi experimental study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Sepsis is one of the most encountered pathologies in the neonatal intensive care unit and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Prematurity and low birth weight are the most important neonatal factors predisposing to infection. Many infants with sepsis develop cardiovascular instability, especially preterm. The role of Functional echocardiography for the evaluation of hemodynamic status in sick newborns is limited by the need for a trained provider. Methods: this is a quasi-experimental study that aimed at proving the efficacy of Electrical Cardiometry in hemodynamic status in septic preterm neonates. 80 septic preterm neonates with gestational ages between (34 0/7 to 36 6/7) weeks admitted to the Tanta University neonatal intensive care unit and met the criteria for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis were enrolled. A control group of 80 matched newborns for gestational age and sex were included. Bedside Echocardiography assessment was performed together with bedside electrical cardiometry monitoring in 1st, 2nd, 3rd days of sepsis manifestations and before discharge. Data for Statistical analysis was fed to the computer and analyzed using IBM SPSS software package version 20.0. (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to verify the normality of distribution Quantitative data were described using range (minimum and maximum), mean, standard deviation, median and interquartile range (IQR). The significance of the obtained results was judged at the 5% level. Results: Stroke volume, cardiac output and cardiac index measurements by both echocardiography and electrical cardiometry were significantly higher in 2nd readings compared to last readings in sepsis group and in comparison, to control group. Correlations between electrical cardiometry and echo were positive as regard stroke volume 2nd readings, cardiac output 2nd readings and cardiac index 2nd readings in both groups. Conclusion: Electrical cardiometry can be recommended as a useful tool for hemodynamics assessment in late preterm neonates with sepsis.