A Study of Factors Affecting the Neurologic Status of Young Children

Abstract

With the exception of Caesarean section deliveries, the pattern of neonatal oxygenation is generally one of steady rise from mean cord vein values of approximately 54% O2 saturation to mean earpiece oxi-metry values around 89% saturation within 25 minutes. Caesarean section deliveries have a significantly lower mean cord O2 saturation value, 38%. Nevertheless, the oxygenation of sections at 25 minutes of age is similar to that of other deliveries. The cause and significance of the lower cord vein oxygenation in the Caesarean section group is at present unknown.