| B.Hypoxemia - Capillaryblood PO2 50 mmHg while SaO2 >92% a preterm infant indicates that the infant has normal oxygenation. SaO2 levels of 88 to 92% may be quite adequate for the newborn. This is because the O2- hemoglobin dissociation curve is alreadyshifted to the left because of the high percentage of fetal hemoglobinin the newborn blood. O2 demands of most extremely prematureinfant generally can be met by maintains PaO2 levels at justabove 50mmHg or SaO2 level at just above 88%. (Dudell G et al. Pediatrics1990; 85:39) |