Noninvasive Monitoring and Assessment of Oxygenation in Infants

Formerly, assessing oxygenation relied on recognizing cyanosis; however, this is unreliable. Also, in neonates, a pink color, suggesting absence of severe hypoxemia, is difficult to assess. An objective and continuous assessment of oxygenation is necessary. Currently, this is best achieved noninvasively by transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (PTcO₂) monitoring or pulse oximetry. Because both PTcO₂ and oxygen saturation monitors (pulse oximeters) may display erroneous measurements, thorough understanding of their operating principles is required. Also, clinicians must recognize the range of values expected in healthy neonates. In this article, data on these issues are reviewed.