Lower Oxygen Saturation Goals Are Safe in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

The optimal oxygenation goal for patients who are receiving invasive mechanical ventilation remains unclear. Clinicians usually target resolution of hypoxemia and pay little attention to weaning levels of oxygen once 100% saturation has been achieved. However, harms caused by hyperoxia, including effects on cardiac function and lung parenchyma, are of concern.

To assess the safety of a lower oxygenation target, investigators randomized 104 patients who were receiving invasive mechanical ventilation to either a conservative strategy (peripheral oxygen saturation, 88%–92%) or a liberal strategy (peripheral oxygen saturation, >95%) for the duration of ventilator support. Positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels were determined by treating…