[Acute asthma outside hospital. The predictive value of pulse oximetry in manifestation of respiratory insufficiency]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of pulse oximetry before treatment of acute asthma in the prehospital setting. Unfavorable outcome was defined as need for mechanical ventilation during the acute attack. The study was carried out prospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: SpO280% and SpO2or = 80%. The study group consisted of 44 patients with 47 asthmatic attacks. Eleven patients had SpO280%, of whom two required mechanical ventilation. Thirty-three patients with 36 attacks had SpO2or = 80%, none required mechanical ventilation. Oximetry before treatment with a cut off point of80% had a specificity of 18% and a sensitivity of 100% for prediction of unfavourable outcome. We conclude at SpO280% in the acute asthmatic attack is a serious prognostic sign which should warn the physician that the patient's condition is lifethreatening.