ARTERIAL OXYGEN SATURATION IN CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

Abstract

52 detns. of O2 oxygen saturation were made on 34 patients with cirrhosis of the liver. 40 detns. on 31 patients were above 94%, or within normal limits. 12 detns. on 9 patients were below 94%, the lowest being 89%. Of these 9 patients, 3 had complicating pulmonary disease which adequately explains the anoxia. This group includes all instances of arterial saturation below 92%. The incidence of arterial 02 unsaturation did not parallel other manifesta tions of the severity of the liver disease.