Disorders of tissue perfusion are a common symptom in newborns. In clinical practice, we predominatly evaluate perfusion disorders by physical examination, blood pressure monitoring and assessment of some biochemical parameters (pH, base deficit, lactate).
Recently new methods are available. These methods allow continuous monitoring of perfusion, describe quantitative and qualitative changes in perfusion, and distinguish among diferent pathophysiologies.
The combination of continuous monitoring devices (near infrared spectoscopy, bioimpedance, bioreactance) with functional echocardiography and clinical examination can provide us with detailed and comprehensive information on the status of organ perfusion and optimize the therapy of hemodynamic instability. The implementation of newly branded diagnostic procedures can also reduce the severity of neonatal and post-neonatal morbidity.