Oxygen saturation in healthy infants immediately after birth

Objective Because the optimal concentration of oxygen (FiO(2)) required for stabilization of the newly born infant has not been established. the FiO(2) is commonly adjusted according to the infant's oxygen saturation (SpO(2)). We aimed to determine the range of pre-ductal SpO(2) in the first minutes of life in healthy newborn infants. Study design We applied an oximetry sensor to the infant's tight palm or wrist of term and preterm deliveries immediately after birth. Infants who received any resuscitation or supplemental oxygen were excluded. SpO(2) was recorded at 60 second intervals for at least 5 minutes and until the SpO(2) was > 90%. Results A total of 205 deliveries were monitored; 30 infants were excluded front the study. SpO(2) readings were obtained within 60 seconds of age from 92 of 175 infants (53%). The median (interquartile range) SpO(2) at 1 minute was 63% (53%-68%). There was a gradual rise in SpO(2) with time, with a median SpO(2) at 5 minutes of 90% (79%-91%). Conclusion Many newborns have an SpO(2) < 90% during the first minutes of life. This should be considered when choosing SpO(2) targets for infants treated with supplemental oxygen in the delivery room.