Pulse oximeter saturation target limits for preterm infants: a survey among European neonatal intensive care units

M.J. Huizing*, E. Villamor-Martinez, M. Vento, E. Villamor

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The optimum range of pulse oximeter oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) for preterm infants remains controversial. Between November 2015 and February 2016, we conducted a web-based survey aimed to investigate the current and former practices on SpO(2) targets in European neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). We obtained valid responses from 193 NICUs, treating 8590 newborns28 weeks per year, across 27 countries. Forty different saturation ranges were reported, ranging from 82-93 to 94-99%. The most frequently utilized SpO(2) ranges were 90-95% (28%), 88-95% (12%), 90-94% (5%), and 91-95% (5%). A total of 156 NICUs (81%) changed their SpO(2) limits over the last 10 years. The most frequently reported former limits were 88-92% (18%), 85-95% (9%), 88-93 (7%), and 85-92% (6%). The NICUs that increased their SpO(2) ranges expected to obtain a reduction in mortality. A 54% of the NICUs found the scientific evidence supporting their SpO(2) targeting policy strong or very strong.Conclusion: We detected a high degree of heterogeneity in pulse oximeter SpO(2) target limits across European NICUs. The currently used limits are 3 to 5% higher than the former limits, and the most extreme limits, such as lower below 85% or upper above 96%, have almost been abandoned.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)51-56
Number of pages6
JournalEuropean Journal of Pediatrics
Volume176
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2017

Keywords

  • Oxygen saturation
  • Preterm
  • Hypoxia
  • Hyperoxia
  • OXYGEN-SATURATION
  • TRIALS

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pulse oximeter saturation target limits for preterm infants: a survey among European neonatal intensive care units'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this