Signal for help from little patients

The Department of premature-born children of Rivne Regional Children's Hospital treats newborns with weight 500-2500 gr. 80% of them need oxygen support. But oxygen, in addition to its healing properties, and has many side effects. In order to obtain the positive effect of oxygen therapy, it is necessary to determine the saturation of blood and oxygen to tissues by a special device – a pulse oximeter. The aim of the project is to purchase 1 pulse oximeter for Rivne Regional Children's Hospital. 

It has long been known that hypoxia (lack of oxygen) affects all organs of immature child and has irreversible negative consequences in the future development of the baby. The negative impact on the immature organism also brings hyperoxia (oversaturation of tissues and organs with oxygen).

A pulse oximeter has a sensor that is attached to the child and tracks how many percent of the blood is saturated with oxygen. The doctor or nurse having such data, can adjust the percentage of oxygen that is supplied to the child depending on the individual needs of each child. Another very important thing is that preterm infants often have the delay of breathing (apnea). They can be physiological or pathological consequence of immaturity. This condition can lead to death, but with the help of the pulse oximeter's signal of delay of breath this can be recognized immediately to take the necessary measures so that the child began to breathe again. In addition, the pulse oximeter shows the heart rate of the child which is extremely important in caring for premature children. Also, immature children often have arrhythmias (disruptions of the heart), which are very difficult to diagnose without monitoring. Thus, it is impossible to nurse premature baby without monitoring is extremely important indicators such as blood oxygen saturation and heart rate.

Now these functions are performed by nurses who are on duty around the clock in children, but one nurse in the ward has 4 heavy children who need supervision. We are confident in nurses, but paying attention to one child, a second baby may be changes that will be physically invisible. Due to hearing the pulse oximeter's signal we can help from the very first seconds. Should we remind of the need of timely assistance?

With these devices, such as pulse oximeters, we can effectively nurse premature infants. Their disabilities will decrease significantly and the quality of life will improve.

We hope for your support! There is nothing better in this world than a happy child!