Transcutaneous Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) for monitoring
paediatric renal allograft perfusion
Abstract
Background. The use of transcutaneous near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
for the monitoring of the perfusion of renal allografts in paediatric
population has been proposed in the last years. This device might detect
early decrease in allograft oxygenation allowing prompt detection of
vascular complications. Methods. A systematic review of literature about
the use of transcutaneous NIRS in monitoring allograft perfusion was
performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results. The authors
screened 1313 papers. The search yielded five pertinent articles. Three
of them reported the experience of NIRS in kidney transplantation, for a
total of 53 paediatric patients and 50 adults. In these studies, NIRS
measurements was significantly related to serum creatinine, estimated
glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary neutrophil
gelatinase-associated lipocalin (u-NGAL), serum lactate, resistive index
assessed by doppler-ultrasonography and systolic blood pressure. In the
paediatric studies no vascular complications were encountered.
Conclusions. Preliminary studies have related NIRS monitoring to renal
allograft perfusion and function. Further investigation is needed to
establish the normal range of NIRS values for renal allografts and the
factors influencing NIRS monitoring.