Evaluation of Oxygen Saturation and Heart Rate During Intraoral Impression Taking in Infants With Cleft Lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in oxygen saturation and heart pulse during intraoral impression taking from infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP) at onset of presurgical orthopedic therapy.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

In our study, 21 uni- and bilateral infants with CLP (9 female, 12 males, mean age 5.90 ± 2.46 days) were monitored and heart pulse and oxygen saturation were measured under operating conditions before any intervention (T1), after delivery of 50% supplemental oxygen (T2), during impression taking with oxygen support (T3), and immediately before the discharge from the operating room (T4).

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found in the average oxygen saturation levels (P < 0.01), but not in heart rates (P > 0.05) between T1, T2, T3, and T4. Decreases in the oxygen levels from T2 to T3 were noted (P < 0.01). Overall, oxygen levels increased from T1 to T4 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Oxygen saturation levels may decrease during intraoral impression taking in infants with CLP despite the supplemental oxygen under operating conditions. No changes in the heart rate during the procedure showed that the cardiac output was sufficient, whereas the decrease in oxygen saturation demonstrated hypoventilation because of the anatomic structure and impression-taking process. It may be advised that the impression should be taken under the supervision of the anesthetist, with monitoring of, and supplying oxygen to, the infant with CLP.