Oxygen saturation during the first 24 hours of life.

AIM To determine normative data for arterial oxygen saturation, measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2), in healthy full term infants throughout their first 24 hours of life. METHODS Long term recordings of SpO2, pulse waveform, and breathing movements were made on 90 infants. Recordings were analysed for baseline SpO(2), episodes of desaturation (SpO2 /= four seconds, and periodic apnoea (>/= three apnoeic pauses, each separated by /= 20 seconds) were identified in six recordings. Four desaturations fell to </= 60%. Periodic apnoea was identified in 60% of recordings. CONCLUSION The range of SpO2 during the first 24 hours of life is similar to that found previously during the first month of life. The clinical significance of the prolonged episodes of desaturation observed justifies further investigation.