Designing a Remote Closed-Loop Automatic Oxygen Control in Preterm Infants

Background: Different automated systems have been developed to improve the maintenance of target range of arterial oxygen saturation (SPO2) in premature infants with respiratory distress. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a remote closed-loop automatic oxygen control (RCLAC) as an efficient monitoring device. Then the means of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) and SPO2 by routine manual control (RMC) and RCLAC were compared. Methods: A developmental-descriptive study was carried out in an Iranian hospital (Tehran, Iran; 2015 - 2017). Twenty-two preterm infants with gestational age 24 - 28 weeks entered the study. A database was prepared based on pulse oximeter parameters. A Wi-Fi module was implemented to receive data from a pulse oximeter and send inputs to the user’s mobile. Vibrate alarm was implemented for high or low FIO2. After receiving notifications associated with an increase or decrease of FIO2 levels and user’s confirmation; the alterations were applied on the ventilator. Results: The mean FIO2 in the RMC system was significantly higher than the RCLAC system (98.1 ± 2.67 vs 79.5 ± 16.03; P = 0.0001). According to the results, when the SPO2 reached close to target SPO2 range and consequently FIO2 changed (decreased or increased based on target SPO2), heart rate showed a regular beating with a decrease in the numbers. Conclusions: Remote closed-loop automatic oxygen control system as a simple device could prevent preterm neonates from sustained hypo-hyperoxemic and arrhythmia episodes. Moreover, by using RCLAC, there was no need for continuous monitoring that may reduce the workload of NICU medical staff. Collecting reliable data and recording information in digital forms were also other benefits. Further studies with larger sample size are strongly suggested.