• H Kanona, S Sharma, K Chaidas, and B Kotecha.
• Queen's Hospital,Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust,Barking.
• J Laryngol Otol. 2015 Sep 1; 129 (9): 874-81.

ObjectivesThis study assessed the use of pulse oximetry testing in children with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea in a hospital setting.MethodsA retrospective review of patients who underwent pulse oximetry testing between April 2013 and October 2013 was performed. Primary outcome measures included positive pulse oximetry results, defined as a McGill oximetry score of 2-4.ResultsThirty-seven test results were usable for analysis: from 21 pre- and 16 post-operative tests. Only four patients had positive test results. There was a significant difference between pre- and post-operative quality of life outcome scores in the surgical group (p < 0.0001).ConclusionPre-operative pulse oximetry should be used as a guide to help triage patients who require specialist paediatric services, such as a paediatric intensive care unit. The use of pulse oximetry, particularly in the post-operative setting, is unlikely to change patient management and can incur unnecessary financial costs to UK National Health Service Hospital Trusts.

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