Effect of exchange transfusion on brain perfusion and electrocortical brain activity in newborn lambs

Biol Neonate. 1999;75(2):130-6. doi: 10.1159/000014088.

Abstract

Changes in brain perfusion (using ultrasonic-determined changes in carotid artery blood flow: Qcar) and electrocortical brain activity (ECBA, obtained by a Lectromed cerebral function monitor) were studied during exchange transfusion using the push-pull method in the newborn lamb. Changes in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), Qcar, heart rate (HR), and ECBA were observed during all exchange transfusions: MABP, Qcar, and ECBA decreased during the withdrawal period and increased during the infusion period, whereas HR showed the opposite phenomenon. Changes in ECBA appeared to be primarily associated with changes in brain perfusion (p < 0.05). These changes in brain perfusion were, however, caused by changes in MABP (p < 0.0001). We concluded that exchange transfusions caused moderate changes in brain perfusion, however changes in ECBA appeared to be very small, and have probably no clinical importance.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn*
  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Blood Pressure
  • Brain / blood supply*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Carotid Arteries / physiology
  • Electroencephalography
  • Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood / adverse effects*
  • Heart Rate
  • Sheep