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Pulse oximetry reference values at high altitude
J M Lozano1, O R Duque, T Buitrago
1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia.
Insights
This study establishes normal oxygen saturation of haemoglobin reference values for healthy children in Bogota, Colombia (2640m). Findings show lower saturation levels at high altitudes compared to sea level, crucial for accurate paediatric patient assessment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- High-Altitude Physiology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Pulse oximetry is a common tool for measuring oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in children.
- Existing reference values for oxygen saturation are primarily based on populations at sea level.
- There is a lack of established reference values for children residing at high altitudes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine reference values for oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in healthy children living in Bogota, Colombia (2640 m above sea level).
- To provide data for accurate interpretation of pulse oximetry readings in high-altitude paediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- A total of 189 healthy children aged 5 days to 24 months were included.
- Oxygen saturation of haemoglobin was measured using a Nellcor N10 oximeter.
- Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, were performed to assess age and physiological status variations.
Main Results:
- The mean oxygen saturation of haemoglobin was 93.3% (SD 2.05%), with a 95% confidence interval of 93.0%–93.6%.
- No clinically significant differences in saturation were observed across the age range studied.
- Mean saturation was slightly lower in sleeping children (91.1%) compared to other states (93.3%), but not clinically significant.
- Measured values were lower than those reported for children at sea level.
Conclusions:
- The determined reference values are applicable for interpreting oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in children from Bogota and similar high-altitude regions.
- These findings highlight the need for altitude-specific reference ranges in paediatric pulse oximetry.
- The study provides essential data for clinical practice in high-altitude environments.
Abstract:
Pulse oximetry is becoming popular for measuring oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in paediatric patients. There are no reference values for children living at high altitudes, and the aim of this study was to determine the values of oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in healthy children in Bogota (2640 m above sea level). The saturation was determined in 189 children aged 5 days to 24 months with a Nellcor N10 oximeter. Mean values and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Analysis of variance was used for assessing the differences in saturation with age and physiological status. The values were normally distributed with a mean (SD) of 93.3 (2.05)% and 95% CI of 93.0% to 93.6%. There were no clinically important differences in the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in the range of ages included. The mean saturation in sleeping children was significantly lower than that during other physiological states (91.1% v 93.3%) but the difference was not clinically important. As expected, the values for the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in the children studied were lower than those reported from children living at sea level. These estimates can be used for interpreting results of the oxygen saturation in haemoglobin in children from Bogota and other cities located at a similar altitude.