Cutaneous necrosis and pulse oximetry.
We report on two patients who developed cutaneous necrosis from the use of pulse oximetry monitoring. One developed digital skin necrosis from a finger sensor, while the other had a lesion of the pinna from an ear probe. Pulse oximetry monitoring is often used in the management of anesthetized and critically ill patients. Recognition of cutaneous necrosis with pulse oximetry may prevent unnecessary evaluation and prompt initiation of simple measures to protect against its occurrence.
Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport 71130-3932.
S W
SW
Stogner
M W
MW
Owens
B A
BA
Baethge
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D010092:Oximetry / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*