We determined the millimolar absorptivities of the four clinically relevant derivatives of fetal and adult human hemoglobin in the visible and near-infrared spectral range (450-1000 nm). As expected, spectral absorption curves of similar shape were found, but the small differences between fetal and adult hemoglobin absorptivity were important enough that they should be taken into account in mul...

INTRODUCTION Pulse oximetry is a useful tool for clinical and investigational purposes for indirect measurements of oxygen saturation [1-3]. Measurement of oxygen saturation with pulse oximetry (SpO2) can be used for evaluation and control of hypoxemia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As pulse oximetry is a non–invasive device, it can be used instead of arterial blood gases (ABG...

Introduction Intermittent hypoxemia (IH) is defined as episodic drops in oxygen saturation (SpO2). Preterm infants are at increased risk for IH due to their immature respiratory control/apnea of prematurity. The clinical relevance of IH is a relatively new observation with rising evidence linking IH to neonatal morbidities and long-term impairment. Hence, assessing factors that influence IH in ...

Since Kramer (1933) investigated the optical properties ofhemoglobin/oxyhemoglobin solutions, many methods have been proposed for the photometric estimation of the oxygen saturation of blood. A new method can only be advocated if it offers economy of apparatus or reagents, greater ease of performance, or the elimination of sources of error. It is upon these grounds that the following method is ...

BACKGROUND Perceived sleep quality may play an important role in diagnosis and therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, few studies have assessed factors that are associated with perceived sleep quality in OSA patients. Hypoxemia depresses the central nervous system and attenuates the perceived respiratory load in asthmatic patients. This study aimed to investigate the factors relate...

Lee EJ, Woodske ME, Zou B, O’Donnell CP. Dynamic arterial blood gas analysis in conscious, unrestrained C57BL/6J mice during exposure to intermittent hypoxia. J Appl Physiol 107: 290–294, 2009. First published December 4, 2008; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.91255.2008.—Rodent models of chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH) are commonly used to investigate the pathophysiological sequelae that result from...

BACKGROUND Current European Guideline for resuscitation recommends a centrally positioned umbilical venous catheter as the best option for administering necessary drugs. Especially in preterm infants, a frequently used alternative is the peripheral venous catheter. METHODS Two randomized controlled studies were conducted at the Division of Neonatology, Medical University of Graz. During neona...

Background—We have previously suggested that it is possible to predict oxygen desaturation during flight in children with cystic fibrosis and chronic lung disease by non-invasive measurement of oxygen saturation following inhalation of 15% oxygen—the pre-flight hypoxic challenge. This study reports on the results of measurements over 5 years. Methods—The study comprised a preflight hypoxic chal...