Pre-ductal and Post-ductal Oxygen Saturation Trends in Neonates: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Background The transition from fetal to neonatal life involves significant physiological changes, particularly in arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂), which can be visually observed as skin color changes. However, visual assessment alone is prone to variability. Pulse oximetry offers a reliable, non-invasive method to monitor SpO₂ levels, providing critical information on newborn oxygenation and aiding in the early detection of critical congenital heart diseases (CCHD). Methods This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center over 18 months, involving 250 newborns. Pre-ductal and post-ductal SpO₂ were measured using pulse oximeters at 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 15 minutes or until levels surpassed 90%. Data analysis was performed using Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results The mean time for pre-ductal SpO₂ to reach 90% was 8.68 minutes, while post-ductal SpO₂ took 9.05 minutes. The time for pre-ductal and post-ductal SpO₂ to equalize was 11.57 minutes. Maternal age, gestational age, birth weight, and maternal hemoglobin levels had minimal impact on SpO₂ stabilization. Conclusion This study highlights the critical role of oxygen supplementation in accelerating SpO₂ stabilization and the influence of maternal comorbidities on neonatal oxygenation. Despite minimal impact from other factors, targeted monitoring and intervention are essential, particularly for newborns born to mothers with health conditions. These insights emphasize the need for tailored neonatal care strategies to optimize outcomes during this critical period of adaptation. Targeted oxygen supplementation and maternal comorbidity screening may help optimize neonatal transition.