J Korean Surg Soc.  2012 Feb;82(2):94-100. 10.4174/jkss.2012.82.2.94.

Utility of digital pulse oximetry in the screening of lower extremity arterial disease

• Kwon JN
• Lee WB

• KMID: 2212207
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4174/jkss.2012.82.2.94

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate screening methods in the lower extremities by measurement of the digital pulse oximetry (oxygen percent saturation [SpO2]) of toes for peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
METHODS
A prospective study was performed among 49 patients (98 limbs) with lower extremity arterial occlusive disease. We attempted to measure the ankle-brachial index (ABI), digital pulse oximetry (SpO2), and computerized tomographic angiography (CTA). Patients were divided into three groups by the traditional Fontaine classification system by symptom and CTA criteria: 1) Critical limb ischemia (Fontaine III and IV), 2) Claudication; (Fontaine II), and 3) asymptomatic limbs (Fontaine I).
RESULTS
The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values between active treatment groups (group I and II; endovascular and open surgery) and conservative group (group III) are all statistically significant. ABI; 55.09%, 94%, 96.7%, 39.02% (R = 12.54, P < 0.000) SpO2; 87.06%, 87.8%, 84.3%, 90% (R = 40.11, P < 0.000). Pre-SpO2 and pre-ABI all show statistically significant correlation in group I vs. group II, symptomatic PAD (group I and II) vs. asymptomatic PAD (group III), and the total PAD comparison. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between SpO2 and ABI all show significant correlation in group II. Pre-SpO2 vs. Pre-ABI show strong positive correlation except asymptomatic group (group III).
CONCLUSION
Digital pulse oximetry can be a useful, simple, noninvasive screening device as well as ABI in PAD.

Keyword

Peripheral arterial disease; Digital; Pulse oximetry; Ankle-brachial index

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Ankle Brachial Index
Arterial Occlusive Diseases
Extremities
Humans
Ischemia
Lower Extremity
Mass Screening
Oximetry
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Prospective Studies
Sensitivity and Specificity
Toes

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) Pre-SpO2 vs. pre-ABI; Pearson's correlation coefficient R = 0.624 (P < 0.000) show strong correlation. (B) Pre-ABI vs. post-ABI; Pearson's correlation coefficient R = 0.281 (P < 0.005) show positive correlation but statistically significant. (C) Post-ABI vs. post-SpO2; Pearson's correlation coefficient R = 0.030 (P = 0.770) show no correlation nor statistically significant. (D) Post-SpO2 vs. post-ABI; Pearson's correlation coefficient R = 0.303 (P = 0.02) show positive correlation but statistically significant. Pre-SpO2, pre-treatment oxygen percent saturation; Pre-ABI, pre-treatment ankle-brachial index; Post-ABI, post-treatment ankle-brachial index; Post-SpO2, post-treatment oxygen percent saturation.

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