Effects of different body positions and head elevation angles on regional cerebral oxygen saturation in premature infants of China.

Abstract Background To investigate the effects of different body positions and head elevation angles on regional cerebral oxygen saturation in premature infants using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Methods This was a prospective study of premature infants hospitalized. The position was changed each feeding cycle (2–3 h), in order: 15° prone, 15° supine, 0° prone, and 0° supine position. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) was measured after each position period using NIRS, over 7 days. Findings Thirty-three premature infants were included in the analysis. Among them, 22 (66.7%) were male, and 11 (33.3%) were female. When placing the premature infants in the prone position, the regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) values were higher at head elevation 15° compared with 0° (main effect P   0.05). Discussion Higher cerebral rSO2 can be achieved when placing premature infants in the prone or supine position, with a 15° head elevation angle. Application to practice Using a specific body position and head angle could improve the regional cerebral oxygen saturation of premature infants.