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Pulse oximetry in very low birth weight infants: can oxygen saturation be maintained in the desired range?

Journal of Perinatology volume 26, pages 337–341 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To determine if a change in the pulse oximeter goal range and high alarm limit for oxygen saturation (SpO2) alters the distribution of SpO2 for premature infants in oxygen.

Study design:

This was a prospective, observational analysis. For group 1 (February 2002 to April 2002, n=23), pulse oximeter alarms were set at 80% (low) and 96% (high), and the goal range was 90–95%. For group 2 (May 2002 to August 2003, n=49), the high alarm was lowered to 94%, and the goal range was 88 to 94%. The SpO2 values for 24 h were downloaded from Nellcor pulse oximeters during the two periods and the percent time within, above and below the goal range was derived and compared.

Results:

Groups were similar except for use of post-natal steroids (group 2>1). The percent time within (57.7±9.8 vs 59.4±12.4%), above (15.4±10.6 vs 14±9.4%) and below (26.9±9.7 vs 26.6±10.2%) the goal range was similar for groups 1 and 2, respectively. However, the percent time with SpO2 <80% increased significantly for group 2 (4.0±2.7 vs 1.9±1.4%).

Conclusions:

Changes in pulse oximeter policy and alarms in labile, sick premature infants need evaluation for their effects on the distribution of SpO2 values before routine use.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brown Medical School, Providence, RI, USA

    A R Laptook

  2. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

    W Salhab

  3. Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX, USA

    J Allen

  4. Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA

    S Saha

  5. Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    M Walsh

Authors
  1. A R Laptook
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  2. W Salhab
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  3. J Allen
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  4. S Saha
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Correspondence to A R Laptook.

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Laptook, A., Salhab, W., Allen, J. et al. Pulse oximetry in very low birth weight infants: can oxygen saturation be maintained in the desired range?. J Perinatol 26, 337–341 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211500

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