Accuracy of pulse oximetry in hypothermic neonates and infants undergoing cardiac surgery

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the accuracy of pulse oximetry under hypothermic conditions in neonates and infants undergoing cardiac surgery, and to assess the effect of probe site as well as probe site skin temperature on the reliability of pulse oximetry. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Cardiac operating room and intensive care unit of a children's hospital. Patients: Twenty-five infants <3 months of age undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Interventions: Pulse oximeter readings (SpO2) from probes placed on the hand and foot were recorded at various skin temperatures and compared with hemoximeter oxygen saturations (SaO2) obtained on simultaneously drawn arterial blood sampl..