Effect of exchange blood transfusion on oxygen saturation of neonates with severe neonatal jaundice by pulse oximetry

Objective:To determine if there was any difference in SpO2 readings during exchange blood transfusion(EBT).Methods:A prospective cross-sectional study of neonates with severe neonatal jaundice requiring EBT was conducted.Oxygen saturation was recorded before,immediately and 15 minutes after EBT by using a pulse oximeter.Results:This study included 30 neonates with 20 males and 10 females.The age ranged from 1 to 12 days with a mean of(5.4±2.9)days.Pre-EBT SpO2 ranged from 90%to 98%with a mean value of(94.3±2.2)%;SpO2 in the end of EBT ranged from 85%to 99%with a mean value of(94.1±3.2)%;SpO2 at 15 minutes after EBT ranged from 77%to 99%with a mean value of(94.8±4.1)%.There was no significant difference between SpO2 values at onset of EBT and either immediately or 15 minutes after EBT(P=0.770 and 0.422,respectively).SpO2 showed no significant difference between neonates who were infused with blood of different storage times(<24 h or≥24 h)at the onset of EBT(P=0.584),immediately(P>0.999)and 15 minutes after EBT(P=0.887).Besides,SpO2 values were compariable in neonates with hematocrit<45%or≥45%at the onset of EBT(P=0.284),immediately(P=0.118)and 15 minutes after EBT(P=0.868).Conclusions:EBT does not affect SpO2 in neonates.