The Journal of pediatrics
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The Journal of pediatrics · Nov 1988
Comparative StudyThoracic electric bioimpedance measurement of cardiac output in the newborn infant.
To evaluate thoracic electric bioimpedance as a noninvasive method for measuring cardiac output, we compared the bioimpedance measurements with those obtained by means of the thermodilution indicator cardiac output technique in seven preterm and term lambs; we also studied 17 term and preterm infants. Sixty-seven simultaneous bioimpedance and thermodilution cardiac output measurements were obtained in the animals after intravascular volume expansion (saline solution infusion) and contraction (phlebotomy). ⋯ Extrapolating animal data to the neonates, we found the thoracic segment length recommended (the average of 29% of body length and electrode distance) to be accurate. These data indicate that bioimpedance cardiac output measurement (1) is comparable to measurement by the thermodilution indicator technique in the newborn animal and (2) may be suitable for use in infants and children.