Download Patints affected by CHS require lifelong monitoring of vital fu

Monitoring
Patients suffering from CHS require lifelong monitoring of their vital functions (i.e. breathing and
heart activity) while sleeping. The maintaining of adequate levels of blood oxygenation and normal
heart activity is crucial for survival and the integrity of Central Nervous System.
This electronic surveillance is performed during nocturnal ventilation using monitors capable of
continuously monitoring the oxygenation (SpO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) blood levels, as well as
heart rate in a non-invasive manner. Whenever a life-threatening event occurs, the monitor emits an
acoustic alarm that allows caretakers to take appropriate steps to restore normal ventilation and
heart function.
Pulse-oxymeters are devices that detect the pulse rate and the SpO2 through a probe applied to a
finger, earlobe or toe, depending on the patient’s age.
It is possible to detect CO2 through a small cannula placed near the nostrils or fitted with a
tracheostomy tube (end-tidal CO2), or transcutaneously through a probe applied to the chest or
earlobe.
In patients suffering from CHS, the minimum requirement for home monitoring is the pulseoxymeter, while a complete evaluation of the breathing activity can be achieved with monitors that
also allow for end-tidal or transcutaneous detection of CO2.