Pre- and Post-ductal oxygen saturation among apparently healthy low birth weight neonates

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Existing oxygen saturation (SpO2) reference values for low birth weight neonates primarily derive from Caucasian populations.
• There is a lack of data specific to African newborns, highlighting a need for broader population-based reference ranges.
• Understanding SpO2 trends in low birth weight neonates is crucial for appropriate clinical management and care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish pre- and post-ductal SpO2 values for low birth weight neonates within the initial 72 hours of life.
• To compare SpO2 values between moderate-late preterm and term low birth weight neonates.
• To investigate the influence of delivery mode on SpO2 in the first 24 hours of life.

Main Methods:

• An observational descriptive study included apparently healthy low birth weight newborns (1500 to ≤2499 g).
• Pre- and post-ductal SpO2 measurements were recorded using a NONIN® pulse oximeter at 10-24 h, >24-48 h, and >48-72 h of life.
• Data analysis focused on SpO2 ranges, means, and statistical significance related to gestational age and delivery mode.

Main Results:

• The pre- and post-ductal SpO2 ranges (89%-100%) were consistent for both preterm and term low birth weight neonates.
• Mean pre-ductal SpO2 was 95.9% (SD 2.3) and mean post-ductal SpO2 was 95.9% (SD 2.1).
• A significant increase in pre-ductal SpO2 was observed from 10-24 h to >48-72 h (P = 0.027); delivery mode did not impact SpO2 within the first 24 hours.

Conclusions:

• This study provides daily pre- and post-ductal SpO2 values for low birth weight neonates (1500-2499 g) during the first 72 hours.
• Overall SpO2 ranges and means were similar between preterm and term low birth weight neonates, indicating no significant difference for stable infants.
• The findings offer valuable reference data for assessing SpO2 in this specific low birth weight neonatal population.