Photoacoustic Imaging as a Novel Non-invasive Biomarker to Assess Intestinal Tissue Oxygenation and Motility in Neonatal Rats

jpedsurg.org

Within the premature infant intestine, oxygenation and motility play key physiological roles in healthy development and disease such as necrotizing enterocolitis. To date, there are limited techniques to reliably assess these physiological functions that are also clinically feasible for critically ill infants. To address this clinical need, we hypothesized that photoacoustic imaging (PAI) can provide non-invasive assessment of intestinal tissue oxygenation and motility to characterize intestinal physiology and health.

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Article · Sep 2023 · 1 min read

In brief

This study explores photoacoustic imaging as a non-invasive tool to measure intestinal oxygenation and motility in neonatal rats, addressing critical gaps in monitoring premature infants at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis. The technique offers potential for real-time bedside assessment of intestinal health in vulnerable neonatal populations.

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) offers non-invasive assessment of intestinal oxygenation in neonatal rats.
PAI can evaluate intestinal motility, a critical physiological marker in premature infants.
Current techniques lack clinical feasibility for assessing gut physiology in critically ill neonates.
PAI may help characterize intestinal health and detect necrotizing enterocolitis risk factors.
This novel biomarker addresses an unmet need in neonatal intensive care monitoring.

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