NON-INVASIVE MONITORING OF ARTERIAL 0₂ SATURATION IN NEWBORN INFANTS

Abstract

Ear oximetry is a simple non-invasive method for measurement of arterial O₂ saturation (SaO₂) in adults and older children. To evaluate the practicability and accuracy of ear oximetry in newborn infants, we have measured SaO₂ in 12 newborns, ages 2.1 days ± 1 (SD) using Biox II-A oximeter and its small ear probe. 15 SaO₂ measurements were done during mechanical ventilation (for HMD, diaphragmatic hernia, sepsis) and compared to actual (CO-OX) and calculated SaO₂ from simultaneously obtained arterial blood. Blood pressure was in normal range at the time of study. Bilirubin and Hb levels were noted. There was excellent correlation between SaO₂ measured by ear oximetry and CO-OX values (n=12; r=0.987) and calculated SaO₂ (n=13; r=0.989)(range: 43-99%). SaO₂ measured on the scrotum correlated equally well to CO-OX SaO₂ (n=6; r=0.979). Bilirubin and Hb levels had no effect on differences between the various SaO₂ measurement methods. Ear oximetry is an accurate and practical method for monitoring SaO₂ especially in chronic hypoxemia situations during the neonatal period. Transcutaneous PO₂ monitoring will be preferred for preterm infants at risk of hyperoxia. However ear oximetry has the advantages of easier application of the probe with less risk of skin burns, and thus longer continuous monitoring of SaO₂ in hypoxemic newborn infants.

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