Oxygen Saturation Immediately after Birth in Infants Delivered in Tertiary Care Hospital in India

Abstract

To study the sequential changes in SpO2 values in newborns delivered in a teaching hospital in India. Full-term infants born by normal vaginal delivery to registered mothers at KLE University Hospital, Belgaum with birth weight more than 2,500g, no congenital anomalies and who had received only routine care at birth were included in the study. After delivery, newborn infants were placed on a resuscitation trolley under a radiant warmer; the oxygen saturation sensor was attached (Nellcor DURA-Y multisite oxygen sensor) and then connected to the monitor (Planet 55 multiparameter recorder). The mean (SD) gestational age of infants included in the study was 38.8 (1.1) wk and birth weight was 2,800 (300) g. The median (IQR) oxygen saturation level (SpO2) at 2min of age was 69% (68%-79%). The median level of SpO2 at 90% and 95% saturation was attained at 6.5min and at 11min of life, respectively. Infants delivered in resource poor facilities of developing countries take 11min to reach 95% saturations after birth but they are within the reference range values of Neonatal Resuscitation Program 2010 guidelines.