Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Non-invasive Optical Measurement of Cerebral Metabolism and Hemodynamics in Infants
11:39

Non-invasive Optical Measurement of Cerebral Metabolism and Hemodynamics in Infants

Published on: March 14, 2013

Transcutaneous oxygen saturation in sleeping infants: prone and supine

S Levene1, S A McKenzie

  • 1Neonatal Unit, Rush Green Hospital, Romford.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|May 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Posture did not significantly impact oxygen saturation in infants during quiet sleep. Healthy infants and those with mild infections showed no difference, but prone positioning may slightly benefit infants with lower respiratory tract infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Neonatal Care
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation monitoring is crucial for assessing infant respiratory health.
  • Infant sleep position can influence respiratory mechanics and gas exchange.
  • Understanding these effects is vital for managing respiratory illnesses in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of body posture (prone vs. supine) on transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation in infants during quiet sleep.
  • To compare these effects across healthy infants and those with varying degrees of respiratory infections.

Main Methods:

  • Pulse oximetry was employed to measure oxygen saturation in infants aged 2-11 months.
  • Infants were studied in both prone and supine positions during quiet sleep.
  • Participants included healthy infants, those with upper respiratory tract infections, and those with moderate lower respiratory tract infections.

Main Results:

  • No clinically significant differences in oxygen saturation were observed between prone and supine positions in any infant group.
  • A minor, non-significant advantage in oxygen saturation was noted in the prone position for infants with lower respiratory tract infections.

Conclusions:

  • Body posture during quiet sleep has a limited impact on transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation in infants across different health statuses.
  • Further research is needed to explore the effects of posture in severe lower respiratory tract infections and during active sleep phases.

More Related Videos

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans09:54

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans

Published on: December 22, 2016

How to Administer Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Critically ill Neonates, Infants, and Children07:27

How to Administer Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Critically ill Neonates, Infants, and Children

Published on: August 19, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs01:19

Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs

Following these guidelines can help nurses accurately measure vital signs, assess changes in patient conditions, and provide timely treatment when necessary. Adhering closely to the guidelines ensures the accuracy and reliability of the results.
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion01:17

Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion

Understanding and evaluating diffusion and perfusion is critical in assessing a patient's respiratory and circulatory health. These processes play key roles in maintaining the body's internal environment, ensuring that tissues receive adequate oxygen while waste products are efficiently removed.
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation01:19

Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation

Assessing respiratory rate concurrently with pulse measurement is fundamental to patient care, providing valuable insights into the patient's respiratory function. The normal breathing rate for an adult usually falls within a normal range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Abnormal respiratory rates can signal underlying health conditions or the need for immediate intervention.
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important. 
Anatomical Positions01:11

Anatomical Positions

In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These positions help provide a common frame of reference when discussing anatomical structures. The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body's position and orientation. In this position:
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
Pulse Oximetry01:24

Pulse Oximetry

Pulse oximetry, or SpO2, is a non-invasive method for continuously monitoring arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). This procedure involves attaching a probe or sensor to the patient's fingertip, forehead, earlobe, or nose bridge. The sensor works by detecting changes in oxygen saturation levels through light signals generated by the oximeter and reflected by the pulsing blood under the probe.
Purpose
Average SpO2 values are greater than 95%. If the readings fall below 90%, it indicates that...
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen01:16

Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen

Oxygen therapy is a pivotal aspect of medical care, particularly for patients with respiratory ailments. Two prominent oxygen-delivering systems include the Venturi mask and the transtracheal oxygen catheter.
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...