A wireless, skin-interfaced biosensor for cerebral hemodynamic monitoring in pediatric care

Pediatric patients often suffer from cerebral perfusion complications which are linked to persistent neurodevelopmental impairment and higher risks of death. This work reported a wireless, miniaturized, and mechanically soft, flexible device that supports measurement of cerebral hemodynamics quantitatively comparable to existing clinical standards. The system features a multi-photodiode array and a pair of light-emitting diodes for simultaneous monitoring of systemic and cerebral hemodynamics, with ability to measure cerebral oxygenation, heart rate, peripheral oxygenation, and potentially vascular tone, through the utilization of multiwavelength reflectance-mode photoplethysmography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy. This device enables continuous monitoring of biomarkers critical to pediatric neurodevelopment from the patient's own home and during activities of daily living, which allows doctors to gauge health conditions and influence of a pharmacologic agent in diverse settings, not necessary from a major medical center. This platform has the potential to substantially enhance the quality of pediatric care across a wide range of scenarios, not only in advanced hospital settings but also in regular homes and clinics of lower- and middle-income countries.