title: [The value and consequences of nocturnal pulse oximetry in severe heart failure, suspected myocardial infarct and acute cerebral ischemia].
abstract: On extensive clinical monitoring of nocturnal oxygen saturation (Minolta Pulsox 7) we observed three groups with an increased risk of nocturnal hypoxemia. The hypoxemia was classified in terms of severity, frequency and duration into six groups of findings. The degree of oxygen desaturation was positively correlated to the severity of disease. In the group of patients with heart failure (NYHA III-IV) (n = 13) four had severe hypoxemia, and a history of previous cardiac infarction; three of them wore a pacemaker. Decrease in saturation after acute cerebral ischemia was seen in particular in patients with oropharyngeal disorders (dysphasia and dysphagia). In the group with suspected myocardial infarction (n = 16) we measured frequent short drops in saturation in ten patients, eight of whom were heavy snorers. Because of its simplicity, non-invasiveness and high information yield, especially in acute patients, pulse oximetry is important for clinical diagnosis, with immediate consequences for many patients.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stark
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Köhler
mesh_terms: D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000175:diagnosis; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010092:Oximetry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis*
vernacular_title: Wertigkeit und Konsequenzen der nächtlichen Pulsoxymetrie bei schwergradiger Herzinsuffizienz, Verdacht auf Myokardinfarkt und bei akuter zerebraler Ischämie.