Blood pressure and heart rate of the preterm newborn following delivery.

Abstract

Thirty-five preterm newborns were studied to determine the mean blood pressure and heart rate of preterm newborns less than 1500 gm and greater than or equal to 1500 gm at birth. Systemic blood pressure increased and heart rate decreased with increasing maturity at birth. Both systemic blood pressure and heart rate increased during the four days following delivery. The 95% prediction limits of stable preterm newborns less than 1500 gm and greater than or equal to 1500 gm at birth are useful criteria to define hypertension and hypotension, as well as tachycardia and bradycardia.