The efficiency of tissues oxygen providing in acute pneumonia in children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15574/PP.2025.3(103).123127Keywords:
acute pneumonia, pulsoxymetry, oxygen saturation, hemoglobin, childrenAbstract
Inflammatory respiratory diseases are among the most common causes of medical visits in children, with acute pneumonia (AP) remaining the most serious. Hospitalization often depends not only on infectious symptoms but also on cardiorespiratory disturbances with hypoxia. Vital signs - temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure - and since the COVID-19 pandemic, arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SaO₂), are key bedside indicators
Aim - to assess peripheral gas exchange parameters based on pulse oximetry in children with AP and to determine their correlations with standard vital signs.
Materials and methods. Capillary blood oxygen saturation was evaluated in 43 children with AP (mean age 10.8±0.4 years). Pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and SaO₂ were measured and statistically analyzed.
Results. The disease course was mild in 14 children (32.5%), moderate in 27 (62.8%), and severe in 2 (4.6%). SaO₂ values ranged from 88% to 99% (mean - 96.3±0.38%). Increasing AP severity significantly correlated with higher respiratory rate, dullness on percussion in affected lung areas, elevated leukocyte count, and prolonged capillary refill time. A weak correlation was found between passive smoking exposure and oxygen saturation. Short-term instability of gas exchange was noted, with SaO₂ fluctuations between 88% and 99% within brief intervals.
Conclusions. AP in children involves inflammatory lung changes, ventilation impairment, and unstable gas exchange. Compensatory mechanisms aimed at maintaining tissue oxygenation - primarily increased heart rate - are accompanied by slowed capillary blood flow, contributing to unstable peripheral oxygen saturation. Pulse oximetry provides valuable insight into these dynamics and may assist in early identification of deterioration in hospitalized children with AP.
The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the paper. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies.
No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.
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