Positional oxygenation changes in air-transported neonates.
The effect of position on oxygenation was compared in 24 critically ill, premature neonates during pressurized, fixed-wing transport. The purpose of the study was to assess if there is a significant change in the arterial oxygen tension in the supine, prone, or prone-free positions during air transport. Neonates with endotracheal tubes in place who (1) had radiologic evidence of hyaline membrane disease, (2) had an umbilical artery catheter in place, and (3) required at least 1 hour of air transport to a level III intensive care center were admitted into the study after parental consent. There was an average 8% increase in oxygenation in the prone and prone-free positions when compared with the supine position. Although this difference might be considered clinically significant for the critically ill premature neonate, there was no statistically significant difference in arterial oxygen tension among the three positions tested in this study.
Squire
S J
SJ
Newborn Intensive Care Unit, University of Utah Hospital, Salt Lake City 84132.
Kirchhoff
K T
KT
D000401:Aircraft; D003422:Critical Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*; D011187:Posture; D012119:Respiration; D014187:Transportation of Patients
D010100:Oxygen