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Published on: August 19, 2020
Pulse oximetry interference in bronze baby syndrome
1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK. dak_hussain@hotmail.com
Summary
A neonate with Rhesus hemolytic disease developed bronze baby syndrome (BBS), leading to inaccurate pulse oximetry readings. This highlights the need for caution when interpreting SpO2 in neonates with BBS due to pigment interference.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Clinical chemistry
Background:
- Rhesus hemolytic disease of the newborn is a serious condition.
- Bronze baby syndrome (BBS) is a rare complication.
Observation:
- A neonate with Rhesus hemolytic disease developed BBS.
- Inconsistencies between pulse oximetry saturation (SpO2) and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) were noted.
- This suggested potential interference with SpO2 monitoring.
Findings:
- Bilirubin is known to interfere with SpO2.
- A brown pigment produced in BBS may also interfere with pulse oximetry.
- Spectral absorbances of this pigment require further investigation.
Implications:
- Pulse oximetry readings in neonates with BBS should be interpreted with caution.
- Further research is needed to understand pigment interference with SpO2.
- This case highlights a potential diagnostic challenge in neonatal care.
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