Supplemental Oxygen Is Not Needed for STEMI Patients with Normal Oxygen Saturations

Outcomes were either similar or worse for STEMI patients given supplemental oxygen, compared with those who maintained a saturation ≥94% on their own.

Supplemental oxygen likely provides no benefit to — and may even harm — patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other causes of dyspnea (NEJM JW Emerg Med Nov 2010 and BMJ 2010; 341:c5462 and Physician's First Watch Sep 3 2010 and Lancet 2010; 376:784). However, it is used ubiquitously in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to the ischemic nature of the disease. To date, several small studies have suggested that oxygen may not have any benefit in STEMI. To determine its effects, investigators in Australia conducted a randomized trial of supplemental oxygen versus room air in patients with out-of-hospital STEMI.

Oxygen (8 L/minute) and air were administered by paramedics and continued through th…

Reviewing Author

Ali S. Raja, MD, MBA, MPH, FACEP

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Board Member); American College of Healthcare Executives – Massachusetts (Board Member)

Ali S. Raja, MD, MBA, MPH, FACEP

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Board Member); American College of Healthcare Executives – Massachusetts (Board Member)

Supplemental Oxygen Is Not Needed for STEMI Patients with Normal Oxygen Saturations

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Reviewing Author