Paediatric pulse oximetry desaturation index limitations

Abstract

Introduction: Overnight oximetry is commonly used in home and ward-based studies for screening and, in some cases, clinical intervention. There are software variations with the minimum duration of a desaturation event which may have a greater impact on the interpretation of paediatric oximetry results. Method: Fourteen overnight oximetry studies over a two week period were downloaded from the same machine using two commercially available oximetry analysis applications (Visi-Download build 131113 and Profox Oximetry V2011.21). The desaturation indices compared were calculated based on events with >= 4% desaturation with two windows, 0 to 180 seconds and 10 to 180 seconds. Statistical significance was assessed using the paired t-test, with significance defined by p < 0.05. Results: There is a statistical difference between results based on a desaturation duration of 0-180 seconds and 10-180 seconds for Visidownload and Profox (p < 0.05) using default parameters and a desaturation value of >= 4%. Differences between the analysis software for each desaturation duration were also statistically significant (p < 0.05). Discussion: Software for analysing oximetry can give different results for desaturation indices based on either a desaturation drop (%SpO2), or desaturation minimum duration (0-180 or 10-180 seconds). It is important to interpret the desaturation index with respect to these two parameters, as the results may be different based on the software and settings used. Consistent use of settings to define desaturation indices are necessary and an understanding of these differences in the software will aid in the interpretation of paediatric oximetry results.L720719882015-11-20 <br />