Apparent desaturation on pulse oximetry because of hemoglobinopathy

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2010 Oct;26(10):748-9. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e3181f39b38.

Abstract

Hemoglobinopathies are an uncommon cause of cyanosis and low oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry. However, when they do occur, they can present a complex clinical scenario for the emergency physician. We report the index case of a previously undescribed hemoglobinopathy that presented to the pediatric emergency department. The evaluation and management of the cyanotic/hypoxic child and review of hemoglobinopathies are presented here.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Artifacts*
  • Black or African American / genetics
  • Blood Gas Analysis
  • Bronchodilator Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dyspnea / drug therapy
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Dyspnea / therapy
  • Emergencies
  • Equipment Design
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Hemoglobinopathies / blood*
  • Hemoglobinopathies / diagnosis
  • Hemoglobinopathies / genetics
  • Hemoglobins / chemistry
  • Hemoglobins / genetics
  • Hemoglobins / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / diagnosis*
  • Light
  • Mutation, Missense*
  • Oximetry* / instrumentation
  • Oximetry* / methods
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
  • Point Mutation*
  • alpha-Globins / genetics*

Substances

  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Hemoglobins
  • alpha-Globins
  • Oxygen