RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Low oxygen saturation and mortality in an adult population JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP P4718 VO 42 IS Suppl 57 A1 Monica Linea Vold A1 Ulf Aasebø A1 Tom Wilsgaard A1 Hasse Melbye YR 2013 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P4718.abstract AB Background:Low oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry(SpO2) has been shown to predict mortality in emergency care, and in patients with lung diseases.Aims and objectives:We wanted to see whether low SpO2 values are associated with mortality in a general adult population.Methods:Pulse oximetry was carried out in 5152 participants in a cross-sectional survey in Tromsø, Norway, in 2001/2002. Follow-up for all-cause mortality until 31.12.2010 were linked to the National Population Register. The SpO2 categories ≤92% and 93-95% were assessed as predictors of mortality in Cox Proportional Hazard regression models correcting for age, sex, smoking and self-reported cardiovascular disease(CVD). Further analysis also included body mass index(BMI), C-reactive protein(CRP) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s(FEV1)% predicted.Results:Mean age was 65.8 years, 56% were women, SpO2≤92% and 93-95% were recorded in 53(1.0%) and 537(10.4%) individuals, respectively. During follow-up, 910(17.7%) died. The adjusted Hazard Ratio(HR) was 1.31(p<0.005) for SpO2 93-95% and 2.16(p<0.001) for ≤92% compared to the reference group(>95%). By adding BMI, CRP and FEV1% predicted as covariates in the model HR for 93-95% was 1.14(p=0.17) and for ≤92% 1.56(p<0.05).Conclusion:We found that low oxygen saturation is associated with mortality. When including FEV1% predicted in the analysis the strength of the association weakens and is only statistically significant for SpO2≤92%.