Pulse oximetry in the adult ED patient with sickle cell

We performed a retrospective chart review of adult patients with sickle cell presenting with vasoocclusive crisis to determine the association between pulse oximetry and emergency department (ED) disposition. Subjects were divided into a NORMAL (pulse oximetry ≥95%) and a LOW (pulse oximetry <95%) group. Two hundred ten consecutive charts showed no significant difference between NORMAL (n = 163) and LOW (n = 47) groups regarding admission or discharge from the ED (P > .05). A higher percentage in the LOW group received chest radiographs (40.9% vs 29%, P < .05), suggesting that pulse oximetry may have influenced ordering of this test. No significant differences in historical and physical exam characteristics were found. The pulse oximetry level does not appear to be associated with a particular ED disposition in adult sickle cell anemia.