Klinische Pädiatrie
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Klinische Pädiatrie · Jul 2012
Review Case ReportsOxygen saturation in pulse oximetry in hemoglobin anomalies.
Pulse oximetry is an essential diagnostic method in pediatric emergency medicine and pediatric intensive care. However, if undetected hemoglobin anomalies are the underlying cause measurements of low oxygen saturation can be interpreted incorrectly or may lead to unnecessary examinations. In 2 recently discovered hemoglobin anomalies, Hb Bonn and Hb Venusberg, this resulted in extensive and repeat cardiopulmonary examinations. ⋯ Furthermore, with a review of the literature we provide an extensive overview of hemoglobin anomalies which result in low oxygen saturation measurement in pulse oximetry. With the examples of Hb Bonn, a novel hemoglobin mutation of the proximal α1-globin, which results in false low pulse oximetry measurements of oxygen saturation, and Hb Venusberg, a low oxygen-affine hemoglobin mutation of the β-globin, we highlight the difficulties arising from the respective case histories. In pediatric medicine, hemoglobin anomalies must be included in the diagnosis as a possible underlying cause of low oxygen saturation in case of ambiguous or conflicting pulse oximetry findings.