COMPARISON OF NON-INVASIVE METHODS OF ESTIMATING OXYGENATION IN INFANTS: T_CO2 EAR OXIMETRY

Abstract

Two non-invasive methods of estimating arterial oxygenation in newborn infants were compared: ear oximetry (Hewlett-Packard 47201A) and transcutaneous oximetry(TC_O2) (Roche 5301). 33 infants ranging in weight from 870 to 4000 gm, age from 6 hours to 28 days were studied. In one group of 15 infants, TC_O2 was compared with simultaneously determined PaO2 sampled from a temporal or umbilical artery. These values were highly correlated (r=.75, p<.001, Syx=15.5). In a group of 18 infants SaO₂, PaO₂, and saturation by ear oximetry were determined simultaneously. Correlation between these values was also high (r=.84,p<.001, Syx=8.2). Deviation of non-invasively determined values for oxygenation vs values obtained by direct arterial sampling did not depend on systolic pressure, pH, or length of time the sensor was applied to the subject. Similar results were found in a group of 6 infants where both non-invasive methods were used together. While the ear oximeter gives more precise data and exhibits a less “damped” signal than TC_O2, it is more difficult to maintain contact between sensor and subject for long periods of time and is therefore less practical in its present form for use in neonates. Both methods are accurate and practical, and are clinically useful in (1)unstable patients during the onset or recovery from illness, and (2) patients with apnea who lack an umbilical artery catheter.

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