Current Status and Future Directions of Neuromonitoring With Emerging Technologies in Neonatal Care.

Journal: Frontiers in pediatrics
Published Date:

Abstract

Neonatology has experienced a significant reduction in mortality rates of the preterm population and critically ill infants over the last few decades. Now, the emphasis is directed toward improving long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes and quality of life. Brain-focused care has emerged as a necessity. The creation of neonatal neurocritical care units, or Neuro-NICUs, provides strategies to reduce brain injury using standardized clinical protocols, methodologies, and provider education and training. Bedside neuromonitoring has dramatically improved our ability to provide assessment of newborns at high risk. Non-invasive tools, such as continuous electroencephalography (cEEG), amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG), and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), allow screening for seizures and continuous evaluation of brain function and cerebral oxygenation at the bedside. Extended and combined uses of these techniques, also described as multimodal monitoring, may allow practitioners to better understand the physiology of critically ill neonates. Furthermore, the rapid growth of technology in the Neuro-NICU, along with the increasing use of telemedicine and artificial intelligence with improved data mining techniques and machine learning (ML), has the potential to vastly improve decision-making processes and positively impact outcomes. This article will cover the current applications of neuromonitoring in the Neuro-NICU, recent advances, potential pitfalls, and future perspectives in this field.

Authors

  • Gabriel Fernando Todeschi Variane
    Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Irmandade de Misericordia da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
  • João Paulo Vasques Camargo
    Clinical Research Department, Protecting Brains and Saving Futures Organization, São Paulo, Brazil.
  • Daniela Pereira Rodrigues
    Clinical Research Department, Protecting Brains and Saving Futures Organization, São Paulo, Brazil.
  • Maurício Magalhães
    Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Irmandade de Misericordia da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
  • Marcelo Jenné Mimica
    Department of Pathology, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

Keywords

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