Cerebral Monitoring by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive optical monitoring technology that can provide information on rela-tive cerebr::tl oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and oxi-dized C}10chrome aaJ concentrations. Unlike other bedside clinical monitoring technologies, NIRS provides direct infor-mation on cerebr::tl hemoglobin Olq'genation and blood vol-ume changes. NIRS recordings have documented changes in cerebral oxygenation in fetuses during labor, critically ill premature infants, cardiopulmonary bypass patients, and adult surgical patients. This information may improve under-standing of the causes of brain injury and allow detection of inadequate oxygen delivery before br::tin injury occurs. future developments in NIRS technology arc likely to pro-duce pr::tcticaI, quantitath-e bedside monitors of global and regional cerebral oxygenation. from the joint Progr::tm in l'\eonato!ogy, Brigham and \'\'omen'