Early warning for SpO2 decrease by the oxygen reserve index in neonates and small infants

IntroductionContinuously assessing the oxygenation levels of patients to detect and prevent hypoxemia can be advantageous for safe anesthesia, especially in neonates and small infants. The oxygen reserve index (ORI) is a new parameter that can assess oxygenation through a relationship with arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2). The aim of this study was to examine whether the ORI provides a clinically relevant warning time for an impending SpO2 (pulse oximetry hemoglobin saturation) reduction in neonates and small infants.MethodsORI and SpO2 were measured continuously in infants aged