Respiratory monitoring: pulse oximetry and capnography in children during anesthesia and intensive care.

Abstract

Monitoring the critical care patient by pulse oximetry and capnography permits the early diagnosis and follow-up of various clinical events in a precise manner, with considerable safety and with no need for invasive procedures. These techniques have been extensively evaluated in adults, but only recently have they been studied in pediatric patients, including newborn infants. In the present review we discuss the working principles, indications, advantages and limitations of each technique, as well as the interpretation of the results.