EVALUATION OF OXYGEN SATURATION IN HEALTHY NEWLY BORN INFANTS AT THE USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL SOKOTO, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Clinical assessment of skin colour as a measure of oxygenation status in newborn babies has
been proven to be subjective and unreliable. Hence, measurements of pre-ductal pulse oxygen
saturation have been recommended during newborn resuscitation. This recommendation has
not been implemented in Nigeria. The present study evaluates pre-ductal pulse oxygen
saturation in healthy newly born infants at birth and up to thirty minutes after birth; taking into
cognizance of their heart rates, respiratory rates, gestational age and mode of delivery.
The study was a descriptive cross sectional design, conducted in the delivery facilities at the
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, between January and November
2015. At birth, babies with Apgar score of seven and above were cleaned and a Massimo pulse
oximeter reusable sensor was attached to their right palm continuously for thirty minutes. The
pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rates readings displayed by the oximeter monitor
were recorded at birth and up to 30 minutes of life. The babies’ respiratory rates were observed
and counted for duration of 30 minutes following birth. The newborns anthropometry,
gestational age and mode of delivery were documented.
A total of 3,596 live births occurred during the present study period, but 416 (11.7%) of the
newly born infants were recruited based on the study inclusion criteria. The mean SpO2 at one
minute was approximately 63%.While at 10 and 15 minutes it was 90% and 95% respectively.
The mean heart rate at one minute was 139 bpm, but at five minutes and 30 minutes it was 160
bpm and 142 bpm respectively. The mean respiratory rate at two minutes was 71
breaths/minute, but at 20 and 30 minutes it was 60 breaths/minute and 57 breaths/minute
respectively. The correlation between SpO2 and heart rate, SpO2 and respiratory rate was less
than 0.4 (r = < 0.4) at every minute for the first 30 minutes of life. Term newborns had a higher
SpO2 values compared with preterm for the first 10 minutes of life (p < 0.05). Similarly,
newborns delivered per vaginum had a higher SpO2 values compared to those delivered
through elective caesarean section for the first five minutes after birth (p < 0.001).
The pattern of SpO2 in newly born infants in Nigeria was found to be similar to the global
recommendation. Hence, the current neonatal resuscitation SpO2 target values recommended
for use during newborn resuscitation could be applicable to newly born infants in Nigeria. Pulse
oximeter should be made available in delivery facilities in Nigeria for assessment of
oxygenation status during newborn resuscitation.

EVALUATION OF OXYGEN SATURATION IN HEALTHY NEWLY BORN INFANTS AT THE USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL SOKOTO, NIGERIA.