Predicting neonatal outcomes using heart rate variability (HeRO score)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does heart rate variability (HeRO score) in the first 24 hours of life predict morbidity and mortality in ELBW and VLBW infants? A retrospective observational study.
IRAS ID
182274
Contact name
Christopher Dewhurst
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool Women's Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 0 days
Research summary
Heart rate is continuously measured at the bedside in all Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW < 1500g) and Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW - < 1000g) infants. This rate varies subtly every minute. The heart rate variability refers to the subtle accelerations or decelerations in this rate. Using a mathematical algorithm a calculated number (HeRO score) based on this information has been shown to predict the risk of developing an infection in the following 24 hours. The HeRO score is automatically calculated at the bedside every hour. One, as yet unpublished, American study has shown that HeRO scores in the first 24 hours of life can be used to predict death and long term illness in preterm infants, which is important for determining which babies are at risk of these outcomes in clinical trials and clinical care. Our research is looking to validate this finding in another centre utilising the HeRO score. At Liverpool Women's Hospital all physiological data, including the HeRO score, is recorded electronically. This will be studied retrospectively and correlated with clinical outcomes.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0898
Date of REC Opinion
13 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion