Using intermittent pulse oximetry to guide neonatal oxygen therapy in a low-resource context

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent pulse oximetry in guiding oxygen therapy in neonates in a low-resource setting. Design and setting Prospective validation study at three hospitals in southwest Nigeria. We performed concealed continuous pulse oximetry on participants to evaluate intermittent SpO 2 monitoring. Patients We recruited all preterm or low birthweight neonates, and all term neonates who required oxygen therapy, who were admitted to the neonatal ward(s) of the study hospitals during the study period. Main outcome measures Proportion of time preterm/low birthweight neonates on oxygen spent within, above and below the target SpO 2 range of 90%-95%; and the propor..