Reflectance pulse oximetry in neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility and reliability in neonates of an in-house reflectance pulse oximetry (RPOX) system as an alternative method of non-invasive oxygen saturation monitoring when transmission pulse oximetry (TPOX) cannot be used, as in fetal scalp oxygen saturation monitoring during delivery. STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of 31 intensive care neonates. The RPOX sensor was attached by suction to the forehead, cheek, occiput and back; recordings were under simultaneous TPOX control. RESULTS: There was close agreement between RPOX and TPOX oxygen saturation and heart rate values, even in periodic breathing. RPOX signals from the back were unreliable because of breathing artifacts. Differences in mean absolute RPOX and TPOX oxygen saturation values were due to different calibrations. Both systems were equally sensitive to motion artifacts. CONCLUSION: As a feasible and reliable method of non-invasive oxygen saturation monitoring in neonates, RPOX has potential applications in fetal scalp monitoring.