title: Pulse oximetry in paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea: is it used appropriately?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study assessed the use of pulse oximetry testing in children with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea in a hospital setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review of patients who underwent pulse oximetry testing between April 2013 and October 2013 was performed. Primary outcome measures included positive pulse oximetry results, defined as a McGill oximetry score of 2-4.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-seven test results were usable for analysis: from 21 pre- and 16 post-operative tests. Only four patients had positive test results. There was a significant difference between pre- and post-operative quality of life outcome scores in the surgical group (p < 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pre-operative pulse oximetry should be used as a guide to help triage patients who require specialist paediatric services, such as a paediatric intensive care unit. The use of pulse oximetry, particularly in the post-operative setting, is unlikely to change patient management and can incur unnecessary financial costs to UK National Health Service Hospital Trusts.
authors.affiliation: Queen's Hospital,Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust,Barking.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kanona
authors.affiliation: Queen's Hospital,Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust,Barking.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: St Mary's Hospital,Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust,London,UK.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chaidas
authors.affiliation: Queen's Hospital,Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust,Barking.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kotecha
mesh_terms: D000234:Adenoids / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; D008297:Male; D010092:Oximetry; D017286:Polysomnography; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D014218:Triage
keywords: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome; Pediatrics; Pulse Oximetry