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Reference values for pulse oximetry at high altitude
  1. M J Gamponiaa,
  2. H Babaalic,
  3. F Yugarb,
  4. R H Gilmanc
  1. aThe University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Family Medicine, 2100 Steindler Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA, bPROSALUD/La Paz, C Jorge Saenz 1382, Miraflores, Casilla NM 10112, La Paz, Bolivia, cThe Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
  1. Dr Gamponia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To determine reference values for oxygen saturation (Sao 2) in healthy children younger than 5 years living at high altitude.

DESIGN One hundred and sixty eight children were examined for Sao 2 at 4018 m during well child visits. Physiological state was also noted during the examination.

RESULTS The mean Sao 2 was 87.3% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 86.7%, 87.9%) with a median value of 87.7%. A significant difference was observed in Sao 2 between children younger than 1 year compared with older children, although the difference was no longer demonstrable when sleeping children were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS This study has provided a reference range of Sao 2 values for healthy children under 5 years old so that pulse oximetry may be used as an adjunct in diagnosing acute respiratory infections. Younger children were also shown to have a lower mean Sao 2 than older children living at high altitude, which suggests physiological adaptation to high altitude over time. In addition, sleep had a lowering effect on Sao 2, although the clinical importance of this remains undetermined.

  • pulse oximetry
  • oxygen saturation
  • high altitude
  • reference values

https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.78.5.461

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