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223 EVALUATION OF PULSE OXIMETRY IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

We investigated a new oximeter suitable for pediatric patients (Nellcor) by comparing its values for oxygen saturation with those obtained by manometric analysis of arterial samples drawn simultaneously. Oximeter readings were obtained for patients in the Intensive Care Unit (wt < 1300 g). The arterial blood samples were analyzed with the micro version of the Van Slyke apparatus. The remainder of the sample was then either saturated with oxygen and reanalyzed for oxygen capacity--or saved for measurement of hemoglobin concentration. In the latter case, oxygen capacity was calculated with the binding constant. In our hands, the oxygen saturation values obtained with the oximeter compared favorably with those from manometric analysis at high saturation, but less well at lower saturation. At saturations of > 85%, the oximeter values were 92±4% (X ± SD) while the manometric values were 90±4%, the difference not being significant (p > 0.05). At saturations below 85%, the oximeter values were 84±9%, the manometric values 68±9% (p < 0.05). We conclude that pulse oximetry may be a useful adjunct to monitoring pediatric patients, but that some caution must be used, especially at saturation levels lower than about 80%.(Supported in part by NIH grant AM 29888.)