Abstract:
Introducción: El colapso neonatal súbito e inesperado (SUPC) es un acontecimiento poco frecuente, pero con graves consecuencias que incluyen desde la muerte hasta discapacidad grave. Su etiología es desconocida, aunque se ha asociado a múltiples factores extrínsecos, como el contacto piel con piel,... Ver más
Introduction: Sudden unexpected neonatal collapse (SUPC) is a rare event, but has serious consequences that include from death to severe disability. Its etiology is unknown, although it has been associated with multiple extrinsic factors, such as skin-to-skin contact, prone position and early breastfeeding. An increase in the frequency of SUPC has been observed since the systematic introduction of early skin-to-skin care. Continuous observation and monitoring of the newborn during this period is considered essential for the prevention and early detection of SUPC. The main objective of this work is the design and development of a minimally invasive device for newborn monitoring.
Material and methods: Firstly, we will proceed to the design and development of a device for minimally invasive monitoring of newborn respiratory movements, its validation and optimization, and the development of a simple and accessible interface for healthcare personnel. Secondly, an observational pilot study will be carried out on healthy term newborns to validate its use, optimize the device and implement the centralised immediate warnings computer system.
Results: A prototype has been designed that is able to measure respiratory movements by acceleration along the three axes, detect apnoea and report these data in real time, wirelessly, through a simple, intuitive and accessible interface, which displays a pop-up window and an audible alarm in case of apnoea detection. The device is based on a printed circuit board which contains a magneto-inertial sensor, a microcontroller and a bluetooth antenna, with estimated dimensions 36,5 mm x 55 mm. In validation tests, an average accuracy of 98,5% was obtained, with an average absolute error of 0,03, regardless of the position of the manikin (supine, prone or skin-to-skin contact).
The pilot implementation study in newborns could not be carried out due to limitations found during the development of the device and the delay that involved its optimization.
Conclusions: A minimally invasive device has been developed, able to continuously monitor respiratory movements and detect apnoeas in manikins that simulate the breathing of a newborn, with a success rate of over 90% regardless of their position. A simple and accessible interface has been designed for healthcare personnel, with an automatic alarm system in case of apnoea detection. The measurement of respiratory movements and detection of apnoeas in real conditions, the assessment by parents and healthcare workers, and the development of a centralised immediate warning system could not be carried out, so additional studies are required.
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