A review of superior vena cava flow measurement in the neonate by functional echocardiography.

Neonatologists have begun using superior vena cava flow as assessed by functional echocardiography to facilitate real-time decision-making on cardiovascular care. This review aims to describe the basis of the technique, summarise the evidence for its use and compare the technique to existing clinical, biochemical and radiological techniques for assessing neonatal circulatory status.

CONCLUSION: Although echocardiographic measurements of superior vena cava flow, like other measures of perfusion, are not perfect, their noninvasive nature and ability to facilitate real-time decision-making means that at present, they remain the best available methodology of monitoring central perfusion in the neonatal population.