Pulse oximetry--an alternative to transcutaneous PO2 in sick newborns.

In summary, the pulse oximeter provides a reliable, continuous assessment of oxygenation in newborn infants. Its rapid response time and ease of use make it a practical device for use on all sick newborns. To avoid hyperoxia it should be used in conjunction with arterial blood gas measurements and we recommend a high SaO2 alarm of 92% in infants with predominantly fetal hemoglobin. Finally, it is an improved way of monitoring oxygenation in very immature infants and in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.