Background Oxygen saturations in premature babies are targeted between 91–94%. However presence of a PDA and respiratory support have been attributed to fluctuations in oxygen saturations.

Aim To study the effect of PDA and respiratory support on frequency and duration of desaturations in premature babies.

Methods Babies <32 weeks’ gestation admitted to the tertiary level neonatal unit were included in this prospective study. Saturations were recorded using the Masimo® pulse oximeters that recorded data every 2 seconds. The data was downloaded and analysed using SPSS® version19. Babies were divided into 4 groups based on the presence of a PDA (>1.5 mm) and respiratory support (ventilation/CPAP) (Table 1).

Results Thirty six (~6 hour each) recordings were made and ~500,000 records captured.

In babies with a PDA the duration of desaturations was significantly longer.

Babies on respiratory support had significantly lower saturations and also significantly longer periods of saturation < 90% or < 86%.

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Abstract 1788 Table 1:

Pulse oximetry data in four study groups

Conclusions In babies with PDA the desaturation episodes are significantly longer but the saturations are consistent.

Babies on respiratory support have lower saturations and frequent fluctuations in saturations as compared to babies not on any support.