Pulse oximetry in family practice: indications and clinical observations in patients with COPD.
OBJECTIVE
To establish situations in which family physicians (FPs) consider pulse oximetry a valuable addition to their clinical patient assessment; to explore pulse oximetry results (SpO(2)) when used by FPs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); to explore associations between SpO(2) and other markers of COPD severity.


METHODS
We performed three separate studies: (i) interviews plus a Delphi consensus procedure with FPs experienced in using pulse oximetry to elucidate indications for pulse oximetry; (ii) analysis of SpO(2) and clinical data in COPD patients who presented to FPs with deteriorating symptoms and (iii) analysis of SpO(2), spirometry and clinical data in patients with stable COPD.


RESULTS
Interviewed FPs (n = 11) used their pulse oximeter for a range of acute (14) and non-acute (11) indications but valued it highest in acute (worsening of) dyspnoea, in suspected respiratory insufficiency/failure and in patients with COPD. In 88 patients with deteriorating COPD, 22% showed SpO(2) <or=92%. Correlation between baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted and SpO(2) in patients presenting with acute COPD exacerbations was r = 0.55 (P = 0.001). In 207 patients with stable COPD, 6.3% showed SpO(2) values <or=92%. SpO(2) values were associated with Medical Research Council dyspnoea scores (P = 0.019).


CONCLUSIONS
FPs report a wide range of indications for pulse oximetry in acute as well as non-acute situations. In COPD, pulse oximetry appears to be especially useful in patients with severe disease and worsening of symptoms. Pulse oximetry may have a role in the monitoring of patients with COPD with exercise-related dyspnoea.
Schermer
Tjard
T
Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. T.Schermer@elg.umcn.nl
Leenders
Jeroen
J
in 't Veen
Hans
H
van den Bosch
Wil
W
Wissink
Aad
A
Smeele
Ivo
I
Chavannes
Niels
N
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003657:Decision Making; D003697:Delphi Technique; D019468:Disease Management; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010092:Oximetry; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires