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Pulse oximetry in paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea: is it used appropriately?

H Kanona1, S Sharma1, K Chaidas2

  • 1Queen's Hospital,Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust,Barking.

The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|August 4, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Pre-operative pulse oximetry can help triage children with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea for specialist care. Post-operative testing is unlikely to change management or improve outcomes, potentially increasing costs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common condition in children.
  • Accurate diagnosis and triage are essential for effective management.
  • Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive tool used to assess oxygen saturation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of pulse oximetry in diagnosing pediatric obstructive sleep apnoea.
  • To assess the effectiveness of pulse oximetry in pre- and post-operative settings.
  • To determine the impact of pulse oximetry on patient management and healthcare costs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing pulse oximetry testing.
  • Data collected from April 2013 to October 2013.
  • Positive results defined by a McGill oximetry score of 2-4.

Main Results:

  • Thirty-seven test results were analyzed (21 pre-operative, 16 post-operative).
  • Only four patients (approximately 11%) had positive pulse oximetry results.
  • Significant improvement in quality of life scores was observed in the surgical group post-operatively.

Conclusions:

  • Pre-operative pulse oximetry can aid in triaging children requiring specialist pediatric services.
  • Post-operative pulse oximetry is unlikely to alter patient management or outcomes.
  • Routine post-operative pulse oximetry may lead to unnecessary financial costs for healthcare providers.
Abstract

Keywords:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea SyndromePediatricsPulse Oximetry

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