INDIRECT MEASUREMENT OF SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE NEWBORN A New, Reliable Method

ABSTRACT: Shaw, A., Maxted, K. J. and Mcdonald, T. H. (Department of Clinical Physics and Bio-Engineering, Glasgow, and Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary, Falkik, Scotland). Indirect measurement of systolic blood pressure in the newborn. A new reliable method. Acta Paediatr Scand, 63: 601, 1974.—The accurate measurement of systolic blood pressure in the newborn by non-invasive means has, in the past, proved difficult. A new reliable method has been developed which employs a rigid, hinged cuff to occlude the limb, and a thermistor circuit to detect the pulse. The performance of the device is compared with measurements obtained by direct arterial catheterization and its use in the routine clinical situation is evaluated. This device is significantly more convenient and reliable than present methods. It is small, self-contained and relatively inexpensive to produce.