Cerebral Autoregulation in Neonates: Physiology and Beyond.

Abstract

Neonatal cerebral hemodynamics represents a complex process affected by dynamic circulatory changes. Understanding the pathophysiology and factors that may affect cerebral blood flow in neonates is crucial to addressing the circulatory mechanism for neonatal brain injury. Studies have described multiple tools for monitoring cerebral blood flow; however, these are limited by the impracticality of using invasive tools. In this review, we explain the physiology of neonatal cerebral autoregulation with a focus on the transitional period and summarize the currently available methods for monitoring.