EVALUATION OF OXYGEN REQUIREMENT IN PATIENTS DURING FIBEROPTIC BRONCHOSCOPY

Background: Sometimes oxygen is given to patients during fiberoptic bronchoscopy to prevent arterial hypoxemia, but oxygen usually is given to patients with SPO2 less than 90%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patient's oxygen requirement according to SPO2 and its relationship with Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). Methods: From January 2006 to April 2007, 146 patients who needed fiberoptic bronchoscopy were evaluated at Beheshti Hospital in Babol, Iran. Spirometery was performed before bronchoscopy and the patients were divided into three groups: FEV1> 2, between 1-2 and FEV1<1liter, respectively. Oxygen was given to every patient with SPO2 less than 90% which lasted more than 20 seconds during bronchoscopy. Results: Eight (5.5%) out of 146patients needed oxygen, 33.3% had FEV1<1lit (p<0.06) and 26.7% had obstructive PFT pattern (p<0.004). The mean age of patients who needed oxygen was 66.7±12.5 years old and those without O2 requirement was 51.9±17.7 years old. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it is recommended to give oxygen during fiberoptic bronchoscopy for the old patients and patients with FEV1<1lit and obstructive PFT.