NIRS to Monitor Abdominal Tissue Oxygen Saturation in Preterm Infants

The NIRS (near infrared spectroscopy) sensor will be applied to the abdomen of the study population. To ensure good skin contact the sensor will be placed underneath the diaper. If that should not provide enough measurement stability, additional fixation will be given by employing aforementioned flexible bandage routinely employed in neonatal care. Once good skin contact is ensured, the sensor will measure aStO2 (abdominal tissue oxygen saturation) for up to seventy-two hours. The presence of this sensor will not disturb daily clinical activities or medical treatment in any way. Should good skin contact be endangered by movements, clinical interactions or such, the sensor will be removed and re-attached to the infants' abdomen as a consequence.