In Vivo Measurement of Cerebral Mitochondrial Metabolism Using Broadband Near Infrared Spectroscopy Following Neonatal Stroke

Neonatal stroke presents with features of encephalopathy and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. We investigated the cerebral metabolic and haemodynamic changes following neonatal stroke in a term infant at 24 h of life. Changes in oxidation state of cytochrome-c-oxidase (oxCCO) concentration were monitored along with changes in oxy- and deoxy- haemoglobin using a new broadband near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system. Repeated transient changes in cerebral haemodynamics and metabolism were noted over a 3-h study period with decrease in oxyhaemoglobin (HbO(2)), deoxy haemoglobin (HHb) and oxCCO in both cerebral hemispheres without significant changes in systemic observations. A clear asymmetry was noted in the degree of change between the two cerebral hemispheres. Changes in cerebral oxygenation (measured as HbDiff = HbO(2) − HHb) and cerebral metabolism (measured as oxCCO) were highly coupled on the injured side of the brain.