Splanchnic oxygenation during phototherapy in preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia

Background: It has been reported that preterm infants can develop feeding intolerance during phototherapy (PT) and that PT can affect mesenteric perfusion in these patients.Aims: Our aim was to assess if PT can decrease regional splanchnic oxygenation (rSO(2)S) measured by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).Study design: We prospectively studied infants with gestational age of 25-34 weeks with hyperbilirubinemia requiring PT. Splanchnic regional oxygenation (rSO(2)S), oxygen extraction fraction (FOES), and cerebrosplanchnic oxygenation ratio (CSOR) were recorded before, during, and after PT discontinuation.Results: During PT rSO(2)S and CSOR significantly decreased and this effect lasted for some hours after its interruption. FOES contemporary increased, although this effect was not statistically significant.Conclusions: PT treatment decreases splanchnic oxygenation in preterm infants likely due to peripheral vasodilation which triggers a redistribution of blood flow. These results can help explain the association between PT and the development of feeding intolerance in preterm infants.