Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology
-
J. Pediatr. Hematol. Oncol. · Nov 2008
Case ReportsDyshemoglobinemias and pulse oximetry: a therapeutic challenge.
Pulse oximetry normally provides a reliable indicator of arterial blood oxygen saturation. Individuals with a variant hemoglobin with low oxygen affinity would exhibit pulse oximetry values consistent with hypoxemia despite maintaining adequate oxygen delivery to tissues. ⋯ These values were significantly lower than physical examination suggested. A possible dyshemoglobinemia should be suspected when discordance exists between pulse oximetry readings and physical examination findings.