Variability of Oxygenation in Possible Hepatopulmonary Syndrome: Effects of Requiring Two Abnormal Arterial Blood Gas Results for Diagnosis

Background and Aims Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) affects 10–32 % of patients with cirrhosis and is defined by liver abnormalities, intrapulmonary vascular dilatations (IPVDs), and abnormal oxygenation. However, published criteria for abnormal oxygenation are inconsistent. We sought to evaluate variation in oxygenation over time and to compare various diagnostic criteria for validity, based on their diagnostic stability over time and ability to identify patients with clinically relevant findings.