Pulse oximetry curves in healthy children living at moderate altitude: a cross-sectional study from the Ecuadorian Andes

Abstract

Background In populations above 3,000 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) normal values of oxygen saturation (SpO2) above 90% have been reported. Few studies have been conducted in cities of moderate altitude (between 2,500 and 3,000 m a.s.l). We set out to describe the range of SpO2 values measured with a pulse oximeter in healthy children between 1 month and 12 years of age living in an Ecuadorian Andean city. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in Quito, Ecuador, located at 2,810 m a.s.l. SpO2 measurement in healthy children of ages ranging from 1 month to 12 years of age residents in the city were recorded by pulse oximetry. Age and gender were recorded, and median and 2.5 th and 5 th percentile were drawn. Non parametric tests were used to compare differences in SpO2 values by age and gender. Results 1,378 healthy children were included for the study, 719 (52.2%) males. The median SpO2 for the entire population was 94.5%. No differences were observed between SpO2 median values by age and gender. The 2.5 th percentile for global SpO2 measurements was 90%, in children under 5 years of age was 91% and it was 90% in children older than 7. Conclusions Our results provide SpO2 values for healthy children from 1 to 12 years old residents in Quito, a city of moderate altitude. The SpO2 percentile curve could contribute as a healthy range for the clinical evaluation of children residing at this altitude.

Reference values for babies' pulse oximetry recordings, highlighting the impact of cesarean sections and COVID-19 pandemic

“…1 The 90% cutoff threshold may not be as beneficial at elevations higher than 3,000 m asl ( above sea level), where oxygen saturation rates are lower than at sea level. 2 The "normal" SpO 2 (Pulse oximetry oxygen saturation) at sea level has been determined to be between 95% and 100% in clinical practice; nevertheless, other writers consider readings between 95% and 96% to be abnormal. 1 As previously discussed, it might be difficult to pinpoint the precise cut-off value for oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry.…”