Non-invasive Continuous Cardiac Output Monitoring in Preterm Infants Study

This is an observational study in newborn term and preterm infants. The study will validate if non-invasive continuous cardiac output monitoring is feasible in newborn infants, if normative values can be constructed and what is the effect of fluid boluses and inotropes on cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance.

This is a 3-year prospective observational study. Principal research question: Is non-invasive continuous cardiac output (CO) measurement a validated tool of comprehensive cardiovascular assessment in neonatal intensive care (NICU)? Secondary research questions: 1. Can robust normal ranges of CO be constructed for neonates undergoing cardiovascular measurement? 2. How do neonatal interventions (fluid boluses, ventilation and inotropes) affect CO? 3. Does the Non-invasive continuous cardiac output monitoring in children with foetal growth restriction (FGR) differ from normative CO data as above (1)? A prospective study of stable newborn babies in the postnatal ward and sick term and preterm infants in the NICU in 36 months.