Effects of oro and-naso-pharyngeal suction on the arterial oxygen saturation and heart rate in healthy newborns delivered by elective cesarean section.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nTo evaluate the effect of ONPS on the SpO2 and HR in healthy term newborns delivered by cesarean section, at the first minutes after delivery.\n\n\nPATIENTS AND METHODS\nWe conducted a prospective randomized trial. Newborns were randomized to ONPS and No-ONSP groups. Continuous readings of SaO2 and HR were performed during the first 10 minutes, and subsequently at 15, 30 and 60 minutes after birth.\n\n\nRESULTS\nA total of 84 newborns were evaluated; 42 in ONPS group and 42 in No-ONPS group, with mean gestational age and birth weight±SD of 38.4 weeks and 3533±403\u200ag in the ONPS group and 38.0 weeks and 3575±568\u200ag in the No-ONPS group. The mean SpO2±SD at the first minute of life in the former group was 52.6±7.6% vs 56.1±10.8% on the latter; with no significant difference (p\u200a=\u200a0.28). The mean HR±SD at first minute of life was 137±25 in the No-ONPS and 148±13 in the ONPS group (p\u200a=\u200a0.02), but no difference was found in the subsequent minutes.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nNot performing ONPS in newborns delivered by cesarean section does not affect SaO2 and HR in the first postpartum hour.