Accuracy of pulse oximetry in the detection of hypoxia in liver transplant candidates.

Background/aims: Hypoxia is common in patients with chronic liver disease. Screening guidelines for detecting the presence of arterial hypoxemia do not exist. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy and utility of pulse oxymetry in the detection of hypoxemia (PaO2<65) in a group of patients with liver cirrhosis who were candidate for liver transplantation.