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Continuous neonatal evaluation in the delivery room by pulse oximetry
Journal of Clinical Monitoring
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Pulse oximetry is a valuable tool for monitoring neonates in the delivery suite. This noninvasive method accurately assesses arterial oxygen saturation, aiding in the evaluation of resuscitative efforts and identification of desaturation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Medical Devices
- Physiology
Background:
- Pulse oximetry is a standard noninvasive monitor for arterial oxygenation in adults, children, and infants.
- Its utility in the immediate neonatal period in the delivery suite required evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability and usefulness of pulse oximetry for monitoring arterial oxygen saturation in neonates immediately after birth.
- To compare pulse oximetry findings with traditional Apgar scores.
Main Methods:
- One hundred neonates were monitored using pulse oximetry on the right hand for 15 minutes after delivery.
- Data collected included time to initial reading, oxygen saturation levels over time, and comparison with delivery method and anesthesia type.
Main Results:
- Initial pulse oximetry readings were obtained within 3 minutes in 98% of neonates.
- Average arterial oxygen saturation reached 90% by 15 minutes, but 12 neonates experienced saturation below 30% and 26 below 50% at some point.
- No significant differences in oxygen saturation were observed based on delivery mode or anesthesia.
Conclusions:
- Pulse oximetry is effective for neonates in the delivery suite, providing rapid and reliable arterial oxygen saturation measurements.
- The device is useful for objectively assessing resuscitation adequacy and identifying neonates with significant arterial desaturation.
- Findings showed a statistically significant relationship between pulse oximetry and Apgar scores.