What is a common implication for infants with low hemoglobin levels regarding desaturation?

Infants with low hemoglobin levels are at a heightened risk for severe hypoxemia and desaturation. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Low levels of hemoglobin mean a decreased capacity to transport oxygen, which can lead to a lack of adequate oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissues. Consequently, when the body encounters situations that require more oxygen, such as during respiratory distress or higher metabolic demands, these infants may experience a rapid decline in oxygen saturation.

This heightened vulnerability typically results in more pronounced episodes of desaturation, notably during stress situations like illness or increased activity. Hence, the implication that infants with low hemoglobin might become more severely hypoxemic perfectly aligns with their physiological limitations and challenges in oxygen transport and delivery.