Abstract
We measured Oxygen Saturation (SaO2) continuously in 29 severely asphyxiated infants (mean Apgar score 3.5 at 1 min), birthweight 1.05 - 2.7, mean 1.86 Kg. A new dual lumen umbilical arterial catheter containing fiber optics was positioned in the lower aorta. Red light transmitted down one fiber optic is reflected by the blood and the signal converted by the instrument to a digital reading of SaO2. The other lumen is used to sample blood and measure pressure. Electronic calibration is made before insertion. Reliability was shown by comparison with SaO2 measured in a cuvette oximeter (I.L. 182) r = 0.98, S.D. 2.46, n = 139. The time constant is 5 secs. and rapid changes in SaO2 are seen during resuscitation. Immediately after the catheter is inserted changes in SaO2 show the efficiency of assisted ventilation in improving blood oxygenation. Optimal levels of positive end-expiratory pressure and inspired oxygen concentration are quickly determined while blood sampling is reduced. In asphyxia and acidosis SaO2 reflects oxygen content more accurately than PaO2. The relationship between SaO2 and PaO2 for these infants shows that hyperoxia may be avoided if SaO2 is kept below 96%.
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