What does a lower than normal saturation for cord vein indicate?

Posted on Thu, 28 May 2015

Question: My son's O2SAT VEN Cord was 44 Low at birth normal ranges are (95-99)
His O2SAT ART Cord was 7 Low at birth (95-99)
Could this cause damage?

Answered by Dr. Arun (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
cord saturation needs further followup clinically

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
First I would suggest you that normal saturation for cord vein is 60 to 70. For artery it is much lower. This is because umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood whereas umbilical artery carries deoxygenated blood.
In your son it is marginally lower than normal.
There could be multiple reasons for low saturation
Cord around the neck, maternal factors, etc.
You need to follow up regularly with
Your pediatrician.
Routine followup alone can predict any neurological damage.
Many such kids are normal when followed up
Wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar