Oxygen saturation profile in healthy preterm infants
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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

How to Administer Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Critically ill Neonates, Infants, and Children
Published on: August 19, 2020
S Harigopal1, H P Satish, A F G Taktak
1Newcastle Neonatal Service, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Tyne, UK. sundeep.harigopal@nuth.nhs.uk
Aim:
To establish a reference range for oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) in well preterm infants to guide home oxygen therapy using a pulse oximeter and Pulse Oximetry Data Analysis Software (PODS).
Methods:
SpO(2) and heart-rate profiles of healthy preterm infants receiving mechanical ventilation for less than 6 h and supplemental oxygen for less than 48 h were monitored using a pulse oximeter. The stored data were downloaded from the monitor to a personal computer as individual files. Each infant's files of SpO(2) were subsequently displayed in graphic form, and a reference range was constructed using dedicated software, PODS.
Results:
43 infants were studied. The median value of all infants mean SpO(2) values was 95% (range 92-99%). The median duration of saturations less than 85% and between 85% and 90 % were 1% and 2% respectively. Using the study group median, 5th and 95th percentiles, a cumulative frequency curve of time against SpO(2) value was constructed (representing the reference range of SpO(2) profiles in healthy preterm infants).
Conclusion:
The SpO(2) reference range can be used as an easy and practical guide to compare SpO(2) profiles of infants on home oxygen therapy and guide their oxygen therapy.
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