Qatar Medical Journal - Volume 2005, Issue 2

The principal advantage of optical sensors for medical applications is their intrinsic safety since there is no electrical contact between the patient and the equipment. Pulse oximetry is a simple, continuous, non-invasive method of monitoring the percentage of haemoglobin (Hb) which is saturated with oxygen. Oxygen saturation (Sa02) is defined as the ratio of oxygen content of hemoglobin over oxygen carrying capacity. A pulse oximeter consists of two light-emitting diodes, a photocell detector and a microprocessor with a visual display unit. The unit displays the percentage of Hb saturated with oxygen together with a signal that is audible for each pulse beat, a calculated heart rate and in some models, a graphical representation of the blood flow past the probe. An oximeter gives early warning of hypoxic events.

Objective: The management of antenatally diagnosed ureteropelvic junction obstruction (PUJO) is controversial. Here, we present our experience over a period of 13 years and discuss our management protocol.

Materials and Methods: We received the files of 234 patients with antenatally diagnosed congenital hydronephrosis due to PUJO. Management was tailored to each patient, based on a combination of diethylenetetraminepentacetic acid renogram outcome, pelvic diameter, as well as the patient's symptoms.

Background: Although capacities for intensive monitoring of patients with stroke are still limited, patients at risk for early neurologic worsening are poorly defined.