Near-infrared spectroscopy for objectifying cerebral effects of laser acupuncture in term and preterm neonates

Wolfgang Raith, Gerhard Pichler, Iris Sapetschnig, Alexander Avian, Constanze Sommer, Nariae Baik, Martin Koestenberger, Georg M Schmölzer, Berndt Urlesberger, Wolfgang Raith, Gerhard Pichler, Iris Sapetschnig, Alexander Avian, Constanze Sommer, Nariae Baik, Martin Koestenberger, Georg M Schmölzer, Berndt Urlesberger

Abstract

Laser acupuncture (LA) becomes more and more relevant in neonates and infants. With near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a continuous and noninvasive measurement of tissue oxygenation is possible. Aim was to investigate, whether the application of LA was associated with any changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcSO2) in term and preterm neonates. The study included 20 neonates (12 males, 8 females). The Large Intestine 4 acupuncture point (LI 4, Hegu) was stimulated by a microlaser needle (10 mW, 685 nm laser needle EG GmbH, Germany) for 5 minutes, bilaterally. All neonates underwent polygraphic recording during undisturbed daytime sleep, including heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and measurement of nasal flow. Using NIRS, rcSO2 was measured continuously. Cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) was calculated. We did not observe any significant changes in SpO2 and HR values during the whole observation period. However, there was a significant decrease in rcSO2 (P = 0.003) within postintervention period, accompanied by a significant increase in cFTOE (P = 0.010) in postintervention period.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
LI 4 (Hegu) is located in the Large Intestine Meridian in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side. The Large Intestine Meridian begins on the index finger and travels along the arm over the shoulder to end outside of the nose. LI 4 (Hegu) is considered to be one of the most effective acupuncture points for general pain control, especially of the head. Modified by the author H. Tenk: Internship of Pediatric Chinese Acupuncture, 3 ed, W. Maudrich, 1994.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Demonstrates the infant with the applied laser needle and the near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring secured through the slim cap.
Figure 3
Figure 3
There was a significant decrease in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcSO2) during postintervention period (P = 0.003).
Figure 4
Figure 4
There was a significant increase in the cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) during postintervention period (P = 0.010).

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