Hemodynamic Assessment and Monitoring of Premature Infants

Abstract

The management of the hemodynamic status of critically ill preterm infants, particularly around the periviable period, remains a significant challenge in the neonatal intensive care unit for a multitude of reasons. The causes of hemodynamic compromise in this population are heterogeneous and usually superimposed on the complex physiologic processes that occur during transition from fetal to neonatal life. This review outlines the unique nature of low blood flow states in this population and present an overview of the current methods for identification and assessment of hemodynamic compromise.