Low SaO2/FiO2 Ratio Predicts Need for ICU in Patients with Acute Chest Syndrome

Adults with sickle cell disease who are hospitalized with acute chest syndrome are at higher risk for transfer to intensive care if the SaO₂/FiO₂ ratio is <310.

Predicting deterioration in hospitalized adults with sickle cell disease and acute chest syndrome (ACS) is challenging. The ratio of arterial saturation (SaO₂, measured by pulse oximetry) to the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂) has been used in critical care settings for risk stratification and mortality prediction in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Researchers retrospectively evaluated 227 hospitalizations (128 patients; mean age, 29) for ACS (defined as new opacity on chest x-ray with either fever, hypoxia, chest pain, cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath) at a single center in Chicago.

Lower SaO₂/FiO₂ ratios at the time of ACS diagnosis or antibiotic initiation (but not at emergency department presentation) were as…

Reviewing Author

Neil H. Winawer, MD, SFHM

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Neil H. Winawer, MD, SFHM

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Low SaO₂/FiO₂ Ratio Predicts Need for ICU in Patients with Acute Chest Syndrome

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Reviewing Author