Continuous Measurement of Cerebral Oxygenation with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy after Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective . The aim of our prospective study was to investigate the applicability and the diagnostic value of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in SAH patients using the cerebral oximeter INVOS 5100C. Methods . Measurement of cerebral oximetry was done continuously after spontaneous SAH. Decrease of regional oxygen saturation (rSO 2 ) was analyzed and interpreted in view of the determined intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Changes of rSO 2 values were matched with the values of ICP, tipO 2 , and TCD and the results of additional neuroimaging. Results . Continuous measurement of rSO 2 was performed in nine patients with SAH (7 females and 2 males). Mean measurement time was 8.6 days (range 2–12 days). The clinical course was uneventful in 7 patients without occurrence of CVS. In these patients, NIRS measured constant and stable rSO 2 values without relevant alterations. Special findings are demonstrated in 3 cases. Conclusion . Measurement of rSO 2 with NIRS is a safe, easy to use, noninvasive additional measurement tool for cerebral oxygenation, which is used routinely during vascular and cardiac surgical procedures. NIRS is applicable over a long time period after SAH, especially in alert patients without invasive probes. Our observations were promising, whereby larger studies are needed to answer the open questions.