Hypoxemia
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Synonyms and keywords: Hypoxia, desaturation
Overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Hereditary pancreatitis from Other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
References
Historical Perspective
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Historical Perspective
Discovery
- [Disease name] was first discovered by [name of scientist], a [nationality + occupation], in [year]/during/following [event].
- The association between [important risk factor/cause] and [disease name] was made in/during [year/event].
- In [year], [scientist] was the first to discover the association between [risk factor] and the development of [disease name].
- In [year], [gene] mutations were first implicated in the pathogenesis of [disease name].
Outbreaks
- There have been several outbreaks of [disease name], which are summarized below:
Landmark Events in the Development of Treatment Strategies
- In [year], [diagnostic test/therapy] was developed by [scientist] to treat/diagnose [disease name].
Impact on Cultural History
Famous Cases
- The following are a few famous cases of disease name:
References
Classification
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
There is no established system for the classification of [disease name].
OR
[Disease name] may be classified according to [classification method] into [number] subtypes/groups: [group1], [group2], [group3], and [group4].
OR
[Disease name] may be classified into [large number > 6] subtypes based on [classification method 1], [classification method 2], and [classification method 3]. [Disease name] may be classified into several subtypes based on [classification method 1], [classification method 2], and [classification method 3].
OR
Based on the duration of symptoms, [disease name] may be classified as either acute or chronic.
OR
If the staging system involves specific and characteristic findings and features: According to the [staging system + reference], there are [number] stages of [malignancy name] based on the [finding1], [finding2], and [finding3]. Each stage is assigned a [letter/number1] and a [letter/number2] that designate the [feature1] and [feature2].
OR
The staging of [malignancy name] is based on the [staging system].
OR
There is no established system for the staging of [malignancy name].
Classification
- There is no established system for the classification of [disease name].
OR
- [Disease name] may be classified according to [classification method] into [number] subtypes/groups:
- [Group1]
- [Group2]
- [Group3]
- [Group4]
OR
- [Disease name] may be classified into [large number > 6] subtypes based on:
- [Classification method 1]
- [Classification method 2]
- [Classification method 3]
- [Disease name] may be classified into several subtypes based on:
- [Classification method 1]
- [Classification method 2]
- [Classification method 3]
OR
- Based on the duration of symptoms, [disease name] may be classified as either acute or chronic.
OR
- If the staging system involves specific and characteristic findings and features:
- According to the [staging system + reference], there are [number] stages of [malignancy name] based on the [finding1], [finding2], and [finding3]. Each stage is assigned a [letter/number1] and a [letter/number2] that designate the [feature1] and [feature2].
OR
- The staging of [malignancy name] is based on the [staging system].
OR
- There is no established system for the staging of [malignancy name].
References
Pathophysiology
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
The exact pathogenesis of [disease name] is not fully understood.
OR
It is thought that [disease name] is the result of / is mediated by / is produced by / is caused by either [hypothesis 1], [hypothesis 2], or [hypothesis 3].
OR
[Pathogen name] is usually transmitted via the [transmission route] route to the human host.
OR
Following transmission/ingestion, the [pathogen] uses the [entry site] to invade the [cell name] cell.
OR
[Disease or malignancy name] arises from [cell name]s, which are [cell type] cells that are normally involved in [function of cells].
OR
The progression to [disease name] usually involves the [molecular pathway].
OR
The pathophysiology of [disease/malignancy] depends on the histological subtype.
Pathophysiology
Pathogenesis
- The exact pathogenesis of [disease name] is not fully understood.
OR
- It is understood that [disease name] is the result of / is mediated by / is produced by / is caused by either [hypothesis 1], [hypothesis 2], or [hypothesis 3].
- [Pathogen name] is usually transmitted via the [transmission route] route to the human host.
- Following transmission/ingestion, the [pathogen] uses the [entry site] to invade the [cell name] cell.
- [Disease or malignancy name] arises from [cell name]s, which are [cell type] cells that are normally involved in [function of cells].
- The progression to [disease name] usually involves the [molecular pathway].
- The pathophysiology of [disease/malignancy] depends on the histological subtype.
Genetics
- [Disease name] is transmitted in [mode of genetic transmission] pattern.
- Genes involved in the pathogenesis of [disease name] include [gene1], [gene2], and [gene3].
- The development of [disease name] is the result of multiple genetic mutations.
Associated Conditions
Gross Pathology
- On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].
Microscopic Pathology
- On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].
References
Causes
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Disease name] may be caused by [cause1], [cause2], or [cause3].
OR
Common causes of [disease] include [cause1], [cause2], and [cause3].
OR
The most common cause of [disease name] is [cause 1]. Less common causes of [disease name] include [cause 2], [cause 3], and [cause 4].
OR
The cause of [disease name] has not been identified. To review risk factors for the development of [disease name], click here.
Causes
Life-threatening Causes
- Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. There are no life-threatening causes of disease name, however complications resulting from untreated disease name is common.
- Life-threatening causes of [symptom/manifestation] include [cause1], [cause2], and [cause3].
- [Cause] is a life-threatening cause of [disease].
Common Causes
[Disease name] may be caused by:
- [Cause1]
- [Cause2]
- [Cause3]
OR
- [Disease name] is caused by an infection with [pathogen name].
- [Pathogen name] is caused by [pathogen name].
Less Common Causes
Less common causes of disease name include:
- [Cause1]
- [Cause2]
- [Cause3]
Genetic Causes
- [Disease name] is caused by a mutation in the [gene name] gene.
Causes by Organ System
| Cardiovascular | No underlying causes |
| Chemical/Poisoning | No underlying causes |
| Dental | No underlying causes |
| Dermatologic | No underlying causes |
| Drug Side Effect | No underlying causes |
| Ear Nose Throat | No underlying causes |
| Endocrine | No underlying causes |
| Environmental | No underlying causes |
| Gastroenterologic | No underlying causes |
| Genetic | No underlying causes |
| Hematologic | No underlying causes |
| Iatrogenic | No underlying causes |
| Infectious Disease | No underlying causes |
| Musculoskeletal/Orthopedic | No underlying causes |
| Neurologic | No underlying causes |
| Nutritional/Metabolic | No underlying causes |
| Obstetric/Gynecologic | No underlying causes |
| Oncologic | No underlying causes |
| Ophthalmologic | No underlying causes |
| Overdose/Toxicity | No underlying causes |
| Psychiatric | No underlying causes |
| Pulmonary | No underlying causes |
| Renal/Electrolyte | No underlying causes |
| Rheumatology/Immunology/Allergy | No underlying causes |
| Sexual | No underlying causes |
| Trauma | No underlying causes |
| Urologic | No underlying causes |
| Miscellaneous | No underlying causes |
Causes in Alphabetical Order
- After pulmonary resection[1] [2]
- ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)
- Atelectasis
- Bronchial Asthma
- Bronchial mucus obstruction
- Congestive heart failure
- Drugs: Beractant, caspofungin acetate, Idelalisib, Ixabepilone, laronidase, Meropenem, Nitric oxide, Sipuleucel-T, Poractant Alfa
- Emphysema
- Hamman-Rich Syndrome
- High altitude sickness
- Lung compression due to pleural effusions/tumor
- Lymphangitic metastases
- Mechanical ventilation
- Neoplastic
- Pneumoconiosis
- Pneumonia
- Pneumothorax
- Pulmonary edema
- Pulmonary embolism
- Ramucirumab
- Right to left shunt
- Sarcoidosis
- Thoracic deformity
References
Differentiating Hypoxemia from other Diseases

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
[Disease name] must be differentiated from other diseases that cause [clinical feature 1], [clinical feature 2], and [clinical feature 3], such as [differential dx1], [differential dx2], and [differential dx3].
OR
[Disease name] must be differentiated from [[differential dx1], [differential dx2], and [differential dx3].
Differentiating X from other Diseases
- [Disease name] must be differentiated from other diseases that cause [clinical feature 1], [clinical feature 2], and [clinical feature 3], such as [differential dx1], [differential dx2], and [differential dx3].
- [Disease name] must be differentiated from [[differential dx1], [differential dx2], and [differential dx3].
- As [disease name] manifests in a variety of clinical forms, differentiation must be established in accordance with the particular subtype. [Subtype name 1] must be differentiated from other diseases that cause [clinical feature 1], such as [differential dx1] and [differential dx2]. In contrast, [subtype name 2] must be differentiated from other diseases that cause [clinical feature 2], such as [differential dx3] and [differential dx4].
Preferred Table
| Diseases | History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Other Findings | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finding
1 |
Finding 2 | Finding 3 | Finding
4 |
Physical Finding 1 | Physical Finding 2 | Physical Finding 3 | Physical Finding 4 | Lab Test 1 | Lab Test 2 | Lab Test 3 | Lab Test 4 | ||
| Differential Diagnosis 1 | + | ||||||||||||
| Differential Diagnosis 2 | ↑ | – | |||||||||||
| Differential Diagnosis 3 | ↓ | ||||||||||||
| Differential Diagnosis 4 | |||||||||||||
| Differential Diagnosis 5 | |||||||||||||
Use if the above table can not be made
| Differential Diagnosis | Similar Features | Differentiating Features |
|---|---|---|
| Differential 1 |
|
|
| Differential 2 |
|
|
| Differential 3 |
|
|
| Differential 4 |
|
|
| Differential 5 |
|
|
References
Risk Factors
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
There are no established risk factors for [disease name].
OR
The most potent risk factor in the development of [disease name] is [risk factor 1]. Other risk factors include [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].
OR
Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] include [risk factor 1], [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].
OR
Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] may be occupational, environmental, genetic, and viral.
Risk Factors
- There are no established risk factors for [disease name].
OR
- The most potent risk factor in the development of [disease name] is [risk factor 1]. Other risk factors include [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].
- Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] include [risk factor 1], [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].
Common Risk Factors
- Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] may be occupational, environmental, genetic, and viral.
- Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] include:
- [Risk factor 1]
- [Risk factor 2]
- [Risk factor 3]
Less Common Risk Factors
- Less common risk factors in the development of [disease name] include:
- [Risk factor 1]
- [Risk factor 2]
- [Risk factor 3]
References
Screening
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for [disease/malignancy].
OR
According to the [guideline name], screening for [disease name] is not recommended.
OR
According to the [guideline name], screening for [disease name] by [test 1] is recommended every [duration] among patients with [condition 1], [condition 2], and [condition 3].
Screening
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for [disease/malignancy].
OR
According to the [guideline name], screening for [disease name] is not recommended.
OR
According to the [guideline name], screening for [disease name] by [test 1] is recommended every [duration] among patients with:
- [Condition 1]
- [Condition 2]
- [Condition 3]
References
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
If left untreated, [#]% of patients with [disease name] may progress to develop [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
OR
Common complications of [disease name] include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
OR
Prognosis is generally excellent/good/poor, and the 1/5/10-year mortality/survival rate of patients with [disease name] is approximately [#]%.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Natural History
- The symptoms of (disease name) usually develop in the first/ second/ third decade of life, and start with symptoms such as ___.
- The symptoms of (disease name) typically develop ___ years after exposure to ___.
- If left untreated, [#]% of patients with [disease name] may progress to develop [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
Complications
- Common complications of [disease name] include:
- [Complication 1]
- [Complication 2]
- [Complication 3]
Prognosis
- Prognosis is generally excellent/good/poor, and the 1/5/10-year mortality/survival rate of patients with [disease name] is approximately [#]%.
- Depending on the extent of the [tumor/disease progression/etc.] at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as poor/good/excellent.
- The presence of [characteristic of disease] is associated with a particularly [good/poor] prognosis among patients with [disease/malignancy].
- [Subtype of disease/malignancy] is associated with the most favorable prognosis.
- The prognosis varies with the [characteristic] of tumor; [subtype of disease/malignancy] have the most favorable prognosis.
References
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice |History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Electrocardiogram | Chest X Ray | Echocardiography or Ultrasound | CT | MRI | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
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