Oxygen saturation during the first 24 hours of life.
OBJECTIVE
To determine normative data for arterial oxygen saturation, measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2), in healthy full term infants throughout their first 24 hours of life.


METHODS
Long term recordings of SpO2, pulse waveform, and breathing movements were made on 90 infants. Recordings were analysed for baseline SpO(2), episodes of desaturation (SpO2 </= 80%), apnoeic pauses of >/= four seconds, and periodic apnoea (>/= three apnoeic pauses, each separated by </= 19 breaths).


RESULTS
Median baseline SpO(2) was 98. 3% (range 88.7-100). Longitudinal analysis at four hour intervals showed that SpO2 remained stable until 20-24 hours of age, when it became significantly lower (p < 0.03). Episodic desaturations were identified in 23 recordings. Nine prolonged desaturations (SpO2 </= 80% for >/= 20 seconds) were identified in six recordings. Four desaturations fell to </= 60%. Periodic apnoea was identified in 60% of recordings.


CONCLUSIONS
The range of SpO2 during the first 24 hours of life is similar to that found previously during the first month of life. The clinical significance of the prolonged episodes of desaturation observed justifies further investigation.
O'Brien
L M
LM
Academic Department of Paediatrics, North Staffordshire Hospital, Stoke on Trent ST4 6QG, UK.
Stebbens
V A
VA
Poets
C F
CF
Heycock
E G
EG
Southall
D P
DP
D001049:Apnea / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000097:blood*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010092:Oximetry; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*; D010313:Partial Pressure; D012016:Reference Values
D010100:Oxygen