Normative values of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) in apparently healthy children from Eastern India - A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The primary objective was to determine normative values of oxygen saturation (SpO2) by pulse oximetry in apparently healthy children, aged 1 month to 14 years. The secondary objective was to explore any variation in oxygen saturation levels by age and gender.

Materials and methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care centre and schools in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, from January 2021 to December 2022. Apparently healthy children were enrolled. Using a standardized pulse oximeter and appropriately sized probes, SpO2 was recorded after stabilization of plethysmograph waves. Three consecutive readings were taken, and an average was noted. The 2.5th centile SpO2 value was taken as the lower limit of normal.

Results: The median (IQR) saturation of the sample population was 99.7% (99-100). The 2.5th, 5th, 25th, and 75th percentiles were 97.7%, 98%, 99%, and 100%, respectively. Median SpO2 and its percentiles were estimated for each age group. The 2.5th centile SpO2 for infantile age group was 96.4%. No significant age and gender-wise variations of SpO2 were noted.

Conclusions: The present study established normal reference range oxygen SpO2 levels in apparently healthy children from an eastern India region that is situated at 62 m (204 ft) above the sea level.