DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2016.v04i05.016

Pages: 448-452

The objective of this study was to evaluate acceptable range of Pulse oxygen saturation levels (Spo2) to maintain normoxemia (Pao2 40-80 mm Hg) in neonates on oxygen therapy. The subject included were neonates on oxygen therapy admitted in Wards and Neonatal intensive care unit of Sir Padampat Mother and Child Health Institute attached to SMS medical college. 75 paired Pao2/Spo2 samples were obtained from total 34 neonates on oxygen therapy. The Pao2 measurements were obtained from radial arterial blood gas sample; simultaneously pulse oxygen saturation values were recorded if the Spo2 values changes < 1%, before, during and after the arterial gas sample was obtained. The analysis of 75 samples from neonates on supplemental oxygen revealed that, when Pulse oxygen saturation levels were 85% to 93%, the mean Pao2 was 60.67±15.15 mm Hg. At this Spo2 levels, 84% of the samples had Pao2 values of 40 to 80 mm Hg, 4% had values of <40mm Hg and 12% had values of > 80mm Hg. When the Spo2 values were > 93%, the mean Pao2 was 102±20.31 mm Hg. At this Spo2 level, 4% of the samples had Pao2 values between 40 to 80 mm Hg and 92% had values of > 80 mm Hg. We concluded that in neonates on supplemental oxygen therapy, High Pao2 occurs very infrequently when then Spo2 values are 85% to 93%. This SPo2 range is also rarely associated with low Pao2 values. Spo2 values of > 93% are frequently associated with Pao2 values of > 80 mm Hg, which may be of risk for neonates on supplemental oxygen.