The NIOMI Study: Non-Invasive Lung Oxygen Monitoring of Term Infants

Infants born prematurely e.g. before 28 weeks of gestational age have a 50% chance of developing neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). The management of NRDS is currently driven by information obtained from a sampling of arterial blood, pulse oximetry, and x-ray imaging. On the other hand, these tests carry short and long-term negative outcomes for vulnerable patients. Optical technology has been developed to evaluate lung function non-invasively and without any potential risks for the patients. It is based on Gas in Scattering Media Absorbance Spectroscopy (GASMAS) method, using low-power laser light and a photodetector attached directly to the baby's torso.

The purpose of this observational study is to test a non-invasive, optical system designed to directly measure the oxygen within the lungs of neonates using a GASMAS system (NEOLA-alpha 2, GPX medical). The findings of this study will generate the necessary information that will be used to guide the development of the GASMAS-based systems for future clinical adaptation in preterm infants.

Subjects. The measurements will be performed on full-term (gestational age ≥37 weeks), healthy infants after parental consent has been obtained.

Number of participants to be recruited: 100

Data collection. This will be a prospective study. Relevant data will be collected from maternal and neonatal electronic chart records.

Procedure. A specially designed light source probe (2x2cm size) with 2x incorporated laser sources and a detector probe (2x2cm size) will be attached to the torso of the infant in a total of 10 locations (5 for the left side of the chest and 5 for the right side) to measure lung oxygen.

Locations of the probes. The measurements will be recorded with the detector probe placed in the infant's armpit and the light source probe placed at the locations indicated below:

1. 2nd intercostal space in midclavicular line;
2. 4th intercostal space in midclavicular line (beside the level of nipple);
3. 6th intercostal space in midclavicular line;
4. 1.5 cm below detector probe in midaxillary line;
5. parasternally beside inferior angle of scapula.

Duration. A single optical measurement lasts approximately 2 minutes. The entire measurement session will be aimed to be completed in 30 minutes. Same measurements will be obtained daily until baby will be discharged from the hospital.

Special conditions. This is a painless procedure that should not carry any risks for the baby.

Location. Procedure will be performed in a separate monitoring room on the postnatal ward in Cork University Maternity hospital (CUMH), where parental and infant comfort as well as appropriate handling of technique can be ensured.

Safety measures Materials. The components of the GASMAS system that will be in contact with the infant's skin have been fabricated from non-toxic materials. They were also designed to be as comfortable as possible without any sharp corners or features.

Eye safety. The emission from the light source probe at all wavelengths is weak and diffuse and falls under "Laser Class I" category. Lasers of this category are considered safe and present no hazard to the eye or the skin under direct exposure. There is no need to wear any eye protection for anyone involved in the measurements.

Electrical safety. The system is well shielded and safe to use. Leak currents are tested according to standard 60601. The system has been tested to comply with Radiated Emission Test according to standard EN 55032 Class A.

Mechanical safety. The medical cart is tested to UL/EN/IEC and FCC Part 15 Class A specifications for enhanced patient safety. The medical cart is environmentally clean with RoHS, REACH, WEEE and EU (94/62/EC) packaging compliance.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy infant on the postnatal ward.
* Full-term (gestational age ≥37 weeks).
* Anticipated stay in the hospital \> 1 day.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parent/guardian unable to/declined to participate in the study.
* The baby was admitted to the Neonatal Unit.
* Presence of congenital cardiac anomalies (report of antenatal scans from patient electronic record chart)