The Peripheral(-Muscle) Oxygenation and Perfusion Score as a New Non-invasive Tool to Predict Elevations in C-reactive Protein Levels in Neonates

A non-invasive score calculated within the first 6 hours after birth using peripheral muscle oxygenation (pTOI, measured via near-infrared spectroscopy), heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), systolic blood pressure (SABP), and subcutaneous fat layer thickness. The score is evaluated for its ability to predict C-reactive protein (CRP) levels ≥ 20 mg/L within 48 hours.

NIRS measurements are performed within 6 hours after birth using the NIRO 200NX device at four anatomical sites (forearm, forehead, infraumbilical region, and left flank). Measurements assess peripheral muscle, cerebral, intestinal, and flank oxygenation to identify possible differences in tissue perfusion associated with early inflammation or infection.