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So, during my MICU month, it's becoming obvious that there really is NO definition of hypoxemia.
A-a gradients seem very unreliable (since they can vary greatly depending on age, and also within any given age range) and not really used very often.
My problem is that how can we diagnose someone with "hypoxemia" when in fact, it's ill-defined?? (I know it's a broad Dx, and it needs to be worked up from there but it seems SO loosely thrown around in the ICU......)
I've heard one could use a generalization of Pa02<80 (or some say <60) and/or an Sa02<90.
I've also heard it described as a Pa02<50% on 50% Fi02......
*****What definition do you guys use to classify someone as hypoxemic???
cf
A-a gradients seem very unreliable (since they can vary greatly depending on age, and also within any given age range) and not really used very often.
My problem is that how can we diagnose someone with "hypoxemia" when in fact, it's ill-defined?? (I know it's a broad Dx, and it needs to be worked up from there but it seems SO loosely thrown around in the ICU......)
I've heard one could use a generalization of Pa02<80 (or some say <60) and/or an Sa02<90.
I've also heard it described as a Pa02<50% on 50% Fi02......
*****What definition do you guys use to classify someone as hypoxemic???
cf