Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background & Aim: Rapid breathing is an important clinical manifestation of many illnesses in young infants. Often it is the only sign of illness in this age group. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the respiratory rate as an indicator of hypoxia in infants <1 months. Patients and Methods: This observational study was conducted on 222 ill neonates who were hospitalized in Rasool-Akram NICU. Age, sex and gestational age were recorded and Respiratory Rate(RR) was counted at complete one minute when the neonate was quiet. Then oxygen saturation(SaO2) was measured at finger or toe with a pulse oximeter by another person. Hypoxia was defined as an SaO2<=90%. RR and SaO2 were recorded by 2 fix observers who were unaware of the research. The t2-test was done to find the usefulness of the respiratory rate as indicator of hypoxia. Results: Hypoxia(SaO2<=90%) was seen in 100(45%) infants. RR and SaO2 showed a significant negative correlation. RR 60-69/min predicts hypoxia with 82/6% sensitivity, 86/4% specifity, 55/8% PPV, 96% NPV. Conclusion: These results indicated that a respiratory rate>60/min is a good predictor of hypoxia in neonates brought to emergency service of hospital for any symptoms of acute illness.