Variability of pulse oximetry measurement over 1 year in children with sickle cell disease depends on initial oxygen saturation measurement

A prospective cohort of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) was evaluated to determine the variability of daytime pulse oximetry among three measurements over approximately 1 year. Fifty-eight participants were evaluated. Asymptomatic children with initial oxygen saturation ≤92% had a mean range over 1 year of 4.6% (2.1-7.5%). In contrast, asymptomatic children whose oxygen saturation was >92% had a mean range of 1.9% (0-5.5%). These results suggest, changes in pulse oximetry measurement of approximately 5% may not be clinically significant in otherwise, healthy children with SCD with previous pulse oximetry ≤92%.