Still Trying to Find the Right Oxygenation Target in Critically Ill Patients

Two trials showed no benefit to targeted titration of oxygen.

Assuring adequate oxygen delivery is a central tenet in the intensive care unit (ICU); however, some studies have suggested harm from tissue hyperoxia. In two recent trials, researchers attempted to determine the best target for oxygenation in critically ill patients.

In a trial from Vanderbilt, 2500 patients who were receiving mechanical ventilation were randomized to peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) targets that were high (96%–100%), intermediate (92%–96%), or low (88%–92%). Every 2 months during the 3-year study, the target value was changed for all patients cared for in the medical ICU and emergency department. Protocolized adjustments to reach the target SpO₂ were limited to fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂; i.e., not other ventilat…

Reviewing Author

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Still Trying to Find the Right Oxygenation Target in Critically Ill Patients

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Reviewing Author