Spo2/fio2 on presentation as a predictor for early hemodynamic deterioration in intermediate risk acute pulmonary embolism

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients with intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism are at risk of hemodynamic deterioration, and identification of risk factors for decompensation could guide the administration of thrombolytics. We aimed to assess whether SpO2/FIO2 on presentation is associated with early hemodynamic deterioration in this population. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of subjects admitted between 2006 and 2018 with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (hemodynamically stable with right ventricle to left ventricle ratio > 0.9 or tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion < 18 mm). Early hemodynamic deterioration was defined as requirements for vasopressors or rescue thrombolytics within 48 h. Results are presented as median (interquartile range). RESULTS: A total of 178 subjects were included. Early hemodynamic deterioration occurred in 13% of the subjects and was associated with a median (interquartile range) lower SpO2/FIO2 on presentation in univariate analysis (243 [123–275] versus 438 [335–457], P < .001) and in a multivariate analysis, including heart rate and right ventricle to left ventricle ratio as covariates (odds ratio 0.992, 95% CI 0.987–0.996; P