In Vivo Measurement of Cerebral Mitochondrial Metabolism Using Broadband Near Infrared Spectroscopy Following Neonatal Stroke.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Single-patient case report
PubMed 26782250 · doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-3023-4_62
What was done
Broadband near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to monitor cerebral haemodynamics (oxyhaemoglobin [HbO2] and deoxyhaemoglobin [HHb]) and mitochondrial metabolism (oxidation state of cytochrome-c-oxidase [oxCCO]) over a 3-hour period in a single term infant at 24 hours of life following neonatal stroke.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values. Repeated transient decreases in HbO2, HHb, and oxCCO were observed in both cerebral hemispheres without notable systemic changes. Marked hemispheric asymmetry was noted, with changes in cerebral oxygenation (HbDiff = HbO2 - HHb) and metabolism (oxCCO) showing tight coupling on the injured side.
Why it matters
It provides preliminary proof-of-concept that broadband NIRS can non-invasively track bedside changes in cerebral mitochondrial metabolism alongside oxygenation after neonatal stroke.
Limits
The study is restricted to a single infant (n=1), preventing generalization. The abstract omits numerical data, statistical metrics, long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, and controls.