Low Pulsoximetry as a Manifestation of Congenital Hemoglobinopathies. The Case of Hemoglobin Bonn in the Tver Region

Abstract

Pulse oximetry is the most common method of monitoring respiratory failure. A decrease in SpO2 indices is a sign of hypoxemia. Abnormal hemoglobins, with a hereditary mutation in α-globin or in β-globin, can lead to falsely low saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen. The frequency of this pathology occurrence in the population is unknown. This article reviews international publications on this issue and cites the case of hereditary hemoglobinopathy (Hb Bonn) in the parturient, her father and her son. All patients showed a decrease in osmotic resistance of red blood cells by 30%. The son of the woman at the age of three years suffered from the hemolytic-uremic syndrome, which required renal replacement therapy. The knowledge of abnormal hemoglobins accompanied by low pulsoximetry will help to avoid medical errors.