Blood Glucose and Lactate Levels and Cerebral Oxygenation in Preterm and Term Neonates—A Systematic Qualitative Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Cerebral oxygenation monitored non-invasively by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is of increasing interest in neonatal care. Cerebral oxygenation is determined by cerebral oxygen delivery and cerebral oxygen consumption. Oxygen delivery as well as oxygen consumption might be influenced by metabolic parameters like blood glucose and lactate. Objective: The aim of the present systematic qualitative review is therefore to identify and summarize all studies, which describe cerebral oxygenation measured with NIRS and blood glucose and/or blood lactate levels in neonates. Data sources: A systematic search of Ovid Embase and PubMed was performed. Search terms included near-infrared spectroscopy, fractional tissue oxygen extraction, cerebral tissue oxygen saturation, regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation, oxygenation, term, and preterm neonates, cesarean delivery, transition, after-birth, newborn, vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery, baby, neonatal transition, metabolism, lactate, glucose, and blood glucose level. Study selection/data synthesis: Studies analyzing cerebral oxygenation and blood glucose and/or blood lactate levels in neonates were included. Animal studies, duplicates, or studies in non-English language were excluded. Results: Twenty-five studies were identified that describe blood glucose and/or blood lactate levels as primary or secondary outcome parameters with additional measured cerebral oxygenation by NIRS in neonates. Twelve studies were included with blood glucose measurements: four described an association between blood glucose levels and cerebral oxygenation, two show no association, and six do not report on possible associations. Eighteen studies were included with lactate measurements: one describe an association between lactate levels and cerebral oxygenation, while three show no association and 14 do not report on possible associations.

Morbidity and mortality after anaesthesia in early life: results of the European prospective multicentre observational study, neonate and children audit of anaesthesia practice in Europe (NECTARINE)

“…The combination of these variables may significantly impair tissue oxygenation, and poor cerebral oxygenation has been mechanistically associated with adverse outcome in neonatal populations. 49,50 Interrupting this vicious cycle with earlier and more effective interventions might improve outcome. The incidence of perioperative cardiac arrest (12.2/10 000) was lower than that reported by the large American register 'Wake Up Safe' (27.3/10 000), which included infants up to 6 months of age.…”