OBJECTIVES To describe, in infants aged 1-4 months old living at 3200 meters above sea level (MASL), oxygen saturation (SpO2), sleep apnea indices, and periodic breathing (PB) during sleep. Polysomnographies were done in 18 healthy infants. RESULTS The median SpO2 was 87%, and the median PB was 7.2% for the total sleep time. The median central sleep apnea index was 30.5/hour, which decreased ...

The technical standard reports that one of the reasons that should lead the examiner to stop the 6MWT is a fall in pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (SpO2) to <80% and suggests resuming the test after the SpO2 recovers to >85%. This suggestion is based on a single study only [3] that reports instruction to resume walking if SpO2 rises above 80% (and not 85%), citing these two documents: “ATS sta...

Up to a third of ex-preterm infants flying near term exhibit pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) of less than 85% during air travel. A hypoxia challenge test (HCT) is recommended to evaluate the requirement for in-flight supplemental O2. The validity of the HCT in healthy, term infants has not been reported. This study aimed to characterise the in-flight hypoxia response and the accuracy of the HCT ...

OBJECTIVE Because the optimal concentration of oxygen (FiO2) required for stabilization of the newly born infant has not been established, the FiO2 is commonly adjusted according to the infant's oxygen saturation (SpO2). We aimed to determine the range of pre-ductal SpO2 in the first minutes of life in healthy newborn infants. STUDY DESIGN We applied an oximetry sensor to the infant's right p...

There are minimal data to define normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels for infants within the first 24 hours of life and even fewer data generalisable to the 7% of the global population that resides at an altitude of >1500 m. The aim of this study was to establish the reference range for SpO2 in healthy term and preterm neonates within 24 hours in Nairobi, Kenya, located at 1800 m. A random sa...

OBJECTIVE Pulse oximetry is used extensively in hospital and home settings to measure arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2). Interpretation of the trend and range of SpO2 values observed in infants is currently limited by a lack of reference ranges using current devices, and may be augmented by development of cumulative frequency (CF) reference-curves. This study aims to provide reference oxygen sa...

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine the usefulness of routinely inserting a hollow airway exchange catheter (jet stylet) prior to tracheal extubation of adult patients with risk factors for difficult tracheal intubation. DESIGN Prospective, 1-year study of 40 consecutive patients undergoing mechanical ventilation who had one or more risk factors for difficult tracheal reintubation. SETTING Surgica...

This pilot investigation was undertaken to assess the performance of a novel fiber-optic cerebral pulse oximetry system. A fiber-optic probe designed to pass through the lumen of a cranial bolt of the type used to make intracranial pressure measurements was used to obtain optical reflectance signals directly from the brain tissue. Preliminary results from seven patients measured in the operatin...

OBJECTIVE Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment maneuvers (RMs) may partially reverse atelectasis and reduce ventilation-associated lung injury. The purposes of this study were to assess a) magnitude and duration of RM effects on arterial oxygenation and on requirements for oxygenation support (Fio2/PEEP) in patients with acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndro...