Reference values for pulse oximetry recordings in healthy term neonates during their first 5 days of life

Objective To determine reference values for pulse oximeter saturation (SpO2) variables and desaturation event indices in healthy term neonates during their first 5 days of life, and to compare two definitions for the identification of desaturation events. Design Observational study (case series). Setting Maternity ward, Department of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany. Patients 209 healthy term neonates (50% boys), median (minimum–maximum) age 2 (0–5) days. Main outcome measures SpO2 variables (eg, median SpO2) and desaturation events obtained by motion-resistant pulse oximetry (VitaGuard 310; Getemed, incorporating Masimo SET). Desaturation events were identified based either on a good signal quality (SIQ) provided by the device or on the combination of a good SIQ and an undisturbed pulse waveform (SIQ+PW). Desaturation event indices were calculated as desaturation events divided by hour of artefact-free recording time. Results The mean (SD) of the obtained median SpO2 was 97.3% (1.4%). There were 36 (17%) subjects with desaturation events to