Measurement of systolic blood pressure in fingers of newborn infants.

The systolic blood pressure in the index finger was measured using a minicuff and a strain gauge both placed around the finger. 122 measurements in four newborn infants were performed during monitoring in an incubator and the systolic blood pressure values obtained were compared with the simultaneously recorded intra-arterial blood pressure in the aorta. Good correlation between direct and indirect pressure values was found. An important advantage is that the measurements do not arouse the infants nor disturb their sleep. The procedure seems suited for further technical development and automatic measurements.