Reference values for pulse oximetry at high altitude.
OBJECTIVE
To determine reference values for oxygen saturation (Sao2) in healthy children younger than 5 years living at high altitude.


METHODS
One hundred and sixty eight children were examined for Sao2 at 4018 m during well child visits. Physiological state was also noted during the examination.


RESULTS
The mean Sao2 was 87.3% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 86.7%, 87.9%) with a median value of 87.7%. A significant difference was observed in Sao2 between children younger than 1 year compared with older children, although the difference was no longer demonstrable when sleeping children were excluded.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has provided a reference range of Sao2 values for healthy children under 5 years old so that pulse oximetry may be used as an adjunct in diagnosing acute respiratory infections. Younger children were also shown to have a lower mean Sao2 than older children living at high altitude, which suggests physiological adaptation to high altitude over time. In addition, sleep had a lowering effect on Sao2, although the clinical importance of this remains undetermined.
Gamponia
M J
MJ
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Family Medicine, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Babaali
H
H
Yugar
F
F
Gilman
R H
RH
D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology; D000531:Altitude; D001838:Bolivia; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007199:Indians, South American; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010092:Oximetry; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values; D012119:Respiration / Q000502:physiology; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology
D010100:Oxygen