METHODS FOR PREDICTING AND TREATING NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS IN NEONATES

摘要

Embodiments are presented herein that provide early prediction of the development of necrotizing enterocolitis by a preterm infant through analysis of the high frequency component of heart rate variability, optionally with analysis of respiration rate. Methods of treatment following prediction area also reported.

主权项

1. A method for determining that a patient is at an elevated risk for developing necrotizing enterocolitis, comprising:
monitoring a patient's heart rate to determine heart rate variability, said heart rate variability having a high frequency component that is calculated using one of
(a) a frequency range based on a measured respiratory rate of the patient or(b) a frequency range reflective of a respiratory rate range for a population represented by the patient; analyzing the high frequency component of heart rate variability; determining power of the high frequency component, wherein said power is representative of parasympathetic tone; and when the power of the average high frequency component is less than 8 msec2, determining that the patient has an elevated risk for developing necrotizing enterocolitis.