Oxygen saturation and perfusion index screening in neonates at high altitudes: can PDA be predicted?

Conclusion: The median peripheral perfusion index at high altitude was not lower than at sea level, while the mean oxygen saturation, in contrast, was lower than at sea level. The low partial oxygen pressure found at high altitudes leads to a variation in postnatal adaptation and an increased prevalence of PDA. Accordingly, oxygen saturation screening may serve to identify babies with PDA at high altitudes.What is Known:• Oxygen saturation is known to be low at high altitudes, and thus the rates of false positivity are high when screening for critical congenital heart disease.• High altitudes are also associated with an increased prevalence of simple congenital heart disease.What is New:• The peripheral perfusion index at high altitude is not lower than at sea level.• The prevalence of PDA is significantly higher in those with false positive screening results.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research