An artificial neural network model for prediction of hypoxemia during sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy

Objective: This study was designed to assess clinical predictors of hypoxemia and develop an artificial neural network (ANN) model for prediction of hypoxemia during sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy examination.

Methods: A total of 220 patients were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Data on demographics, chronic concomitant disease information, neck circumference, thyromental distance and anaesthetic dose were collected and statistically analysed.

Results: Univariate analysis indicated that body mass index (BMI), habitual snoring and neck circumference were associated with hypoxemia. An ANN model was developed with three variables (BMI, habitual snoring and neck circumference). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the ANN model was 0.80.

Conclusions: The ANN model developed here, comprising BMI, habitual snoring and neck circumference, was useful for prediction of hypoxemia during sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy.