Asthma and hemoglobinopathy: When is supplemental oxygen required?. Issue 5 (18th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Joseph, Leon; Brickner‐Braun, Inbal; Pinshow, Berry; Goldberg, Shmuel; Miskin, Hagit; Picard, Elie
• Is Part Of: Pediatrics international. Volume 55:Issue 5(2013)
• Page Start: e133
• Page End: e135
• Publication Date: 2013-10-18
• Subjects: Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/ped.12146
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1328-8067

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Asthma is the most common reason for referral to the emergency department in childhood. In severe attacks, supplemental O₂ is given when oxygen saturation level is &lt;90%. Described herein is the case of a child with persistent low oxygen saturation as measured on pulse oximetry (S_pO₂) after full clinical recovery from an asthma attack. Simultaneously, P_aO₂ was normal. A diagnosis of abnormal hemoglobin with decreased oxygen affinity (hemoglobin Seattle) was made on hemoglobin electrophoresis and genetic analysis. To ascertain when supplemental oxygen was needed, an oxygen dissociation curve was plotted using the tonometer technique, and it was found that an S_pO₂ of 70% is parallel to a P_aO₂ of 60 mmHg. Plotting an oxygen dissociation curve is a simple reproducible method to determine when supplemental oxygen is required for a child with a hemoglobinopathy.</p> </abstract>