Association between arterial oxygen and mortality across critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies: results from an international collaborative network.

PURPOSE: Patients with hematological malignancies are at high risk for life-threatening complications. To date, little attention has been paid to the impact of hyperoxemia and excess oxygen use on mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) and 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies. METHODS: Data from three international cohorts (Europe, Canada, Oceania) of patients who received respiratory support (noninvasive ventilation, high-flow nasal cannula, invasive mechanical ventilation) were obtained. We used mixed-effect Cox models to investigate the association between day one PaO2 or excess oxygen use (inspired fraction of oxygen ≥ 0.6 with PaO2 > 100 mmHg) on day-28 mortality. RESULTS: 11,249 patients were included. On day one, 5716 patients (50.8%) had normoxemia (60 ≤ PaO2 ≤ 100 mmHg), 1454 (12.9%) hypoxemia (PaO2 < 60 mmHg), and 4079 patients (36.3%) hyperoxemia (PaO2 > 100 mmHg). Excess oxygen was used in 2201 patients (20%). Crude day-28 mortality rate was 40.6%. There was a significant association between PaO2 and day-28 mortality with a U-shaped relationship (p < 0.001). Higher PaO2 levels (> 100 mmHg) were associated with day-28 mortality with a dose-effect relationship. Subgroup analyses showed an association between hyperoxemia and mortality in patients admitted with neurological disorders; however, the opposite relationship was seen across those admitted with sepsis and neutropenia. Excess oxygen use was also associated with subsequent day-28 mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.11[1.04-1.19]). This result persisted after propensity score analysis (matched HR associated with excess oxygen:1.31 [1.20-1.1.44]). CONCLUSION: In critically-ill patients with hematological malignancies, exposure to hyperoxemia and excess oxygen use were associated with increased mortality, with variable magnitude across subgroups. This might be a modifiable factor to improve mortality.

Occurrence of hyperoxia during iNO treatment for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: a cohort study.

High concentrations of oxygen are often needed to optimize oxygenation in infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), but this can also increase the risk of hyperoxemia. We determined the occurrence of hyperoxemia in infants treated for PPHN. Medical records of infants ≥ 34 + 0 weeks gestational age (GA) who received inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) were retrospectively reviewed for oxygenation parameters during iNO therapy. Oxygen was manually titrated to target arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) 10-13 kPa and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) 92-98%. The main study outcomes were the incidence and duration of hyperoxemia and hypoxemia and the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2). A total of 181 infants were included. The median FiO2 was 0.43 (IQR 0.34-0.56) and the maximum FiO2 was 1.0 in 156/181 (86%) infants, resulting in at least one PaO2 > 13 kPa in 149/181 (82%) infants, of which 46/149 (31%) infants had minimal one PaO2 > 30 kPa. SpO2 was > 98% in 179/181 (99%) infants for 17.7% (8.2-35.6%) of the iNO time. PaO2 < 10 kPa occurred in 160/181 (88%) infants, of which 81/160 (51%) infants had minimal one PaO2 < 6.7 kPa. SpO2 was < 92% in 169/181 (93%) infants for 1.6% (0.5-4.3%) of the iNO time.    Conclusion: While treatment of PPHN is focused on preventing and reversing hypoxemia, hyperoxemia occurs inadvertently in most patients. What is Known: • High concentrations of oxygen are often needed to prevent hypoxemia-induced deterioration of PPHN, but this can also increase the risk of hyperoxemia. • Infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension may be particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of oxygen, and hyperoxemia could further induce pulmonary vasoconstriction, potentially worsening the condition. What is New: • Hyperoxemia occurs in the majority of infants with PPHN during treatment with iNO. • Infants with PPHN spent a considerably longer period with saturations above the target range compared to saturations below the target range.

Hyperoxemia Induced by Oxygen Therapy in Nonsurgical Critically Ill Patients.

BACKGROUND: Hyperoxemia, often overlooked in critically ill patients, is common and may have adverse consequences. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of hyperoxemia induced by oxygen therapy in nonsurgical critically ill patients at intensive care unit (ICU) admission and the association of hyperoxemia with hospital mortality. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included all consecutive admissions of nonsurgical patients aged 18 years or older who received oxygen therapy on admission to the Hospital Santa Luzia Rede D'Or São Luiz adult ICU from July 2018 through June 2021. Patients were categorized into 3 groups according to Pao2 level at ICU admission: hypoxemia (Pao2<60 mm Hg), normoxemia (Pao2= 60-120 mm Hg), and hyperoxemia (Pao2 >120 mm Hg). RESULTS: Among 3088 patients, hyperoxemia was present in 1174 (38.0%) and was independently associated with hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04-1.67; P=.02). Age (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.02-1.02; P<.001) and chronic kidney disease (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.02-2.36; P=.04) were associated with a higher rate of hyperoxemia. Factors associated with a lower rate of hyperoxemia were Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83-0.93; P<.001); late-night admission (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67-0.96; P=.02); and renal/metabolic (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.13-1.39; P<.001), neurologic (OR, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01-0.05; P<.001), digestive (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.13-0.41; P<.001), and soft tissue/skin/orthopedic (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13-0.79; P=.01) primary reasons for hospital admission. CONCLUSION: Hyperoxemia induced by oxygen therapy was common in critically ill patients and was linked to increased risk of hospital mortality. Health care professionals should be aware of this condition because of its potential risks and unnecessary costs.

Individualized Thresholds of Hypoxemia and Hyperoxemia and their Effect on Outcome in Acute Brain Injured Patients: A Secondary Analysis of the ENIO Study.

BACKGROUND: In acute brain injury (ABI), the effects of hypoxemia as a potential cause of secondary brain damage and poor outcome are well documented, whereas the impact of hyperoxemia is unclear. The primary aim of this study was to assess the episodes of hypoxemia and hyperoxemia in patients with ABI during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay and to determine their association with in-hospital mortality. The secondary aim was to identify the optimal thresholds of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) predicting in-hospital mortality. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter observational cohort study. Adult patients with ABI (traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid aneurysmal hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke) with available data on PaO2 during the ICU stay were included. Hypoxemia was defined as PaO2 < 80 mm Hg, normoxemia was defined as PaO2 between 80 and 120 mm Hg, mild/moderate hyperoxemia was defined as PaO2 between 121 and 299 mm Hg, and severe hyperoxemia was defined as PaO2 levels ≥ 300 mm Hg. RESULTS: A total of 1,407 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 52 (±18) years, and 929 (66%) were male. Over the ICU stay, the fractions of patients in the study cohort who had at least one episode of hypoxemia, mild/moderate hyperoxemia, and severe hyperoxemia were 31.3%, 53.0%, and 1.7%, respectively. PaO2 values below 92 mm Hg and above 156 mm Hg were associated with an increased probability of in-hospital mortality. Differences were observed among subgroups of patients with ABI, with consistent effects only seen in patients without traumatic brain injury. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ABI, hypoxemia and mild/moderate hyperoxemia were relatively frequent. Hypoxemia and hyperoxemia during ICU stay may influence in-hospital mortality. However, the small number of oxygen values collected represents a major limitation of the study.

Reducing Hyperoxia Exposure in Infants Requiring Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation after Cardiac Surgery.

Recent studies have suggested worse outcomes in patients exposed to hyperoxia while supported on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). However, there are no data regarding the effect of reducing hyperoxia exposure in this population by adjusting the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of the sweep gas of the ECMO circuit. A retrospective review of 143 patients less than 1 year of age requiring VA-ECMO following cardiac surgery from 2007 to 2018 was completed. 64 patients had a FiO2 of the sweep gas < 100% with an average PaO2 of 210 mm Hg in the first 48 h of support [vs 405 mm Hg in the group with a FiO2 = 100% (p < 0.0001)]. There was no difference in mortality at 30 days after surgery or other markers of end-organ injury with respect to whether the FiO2 was adjusted. At least one PaO2 value < 200 mm Hg in the first 24 h on ECMO in patients with a FiO2 < 100% trended toward a significant association (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.21-1.01) with decreased risk of 30-day mortality when compared to those patients with a FiO2 = 100% and all PaO2 values > 200 mm Hg. Only 47% of patients with a FiO2 < 100% had an average PaO2 less than 200 mm Hg which indicates that the intervention of reducing the FiO2 of the sweep gas was not entirely effective at reducing hyperoxia exposure. Future research is needed for developing clinical protocols to avoid hyperoxia and to identify mechanisms for hyperoxia-induced injury on VA-ECMO.

Postresuscitation oxygen reserve index-guided oxygen titration in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hyperoxia after return of spontaneous circulation is potentially harmful, and oxygen titration in a prehospital setting is challenging. This study aimed to compare outcomes of oxygen reserve index-supported prehospital oxygen titration during prehospital transport with those of standard oxygen titration. METHODS AND TRIAL DESIGN: We enrolled patients who experienced return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest in a prospective randomized study. Patients were randomly divided (1:1) to undergo oxygen titration based on the oxygen reserve index and SpO2 (intervention) or SpO2 only (control). FIO2 titration targeted SpO2 level maintenance at 94-98%. The primary outcome was the normoxia index, reflecting the proportion of both hyperoxia- and hypoxia-free time during prehospital intervention. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients were included in the study. The mean normoxia index was 0.828 in the control group and 0.847 in the intervention group (difference = 0.019 [95 % CI, -0.056-0.095]), with no significant difference between the groups. No significant differences were found in the incidence of hypoxia or hyperoxia between groups. No difference was found in the mean PaO2 at hospital admission (116 mmHg [IQR: 89-168 mmHg] in the control group vs 115 mmHg [IQR: 89-195 mmHg] in the intervention group; p = 0.86). No difference was observed in serum neuron-specific enolase levels 48 h post-ROSC after adjustment for known confounders. CONCLUSION: Oxygen reserve index- combined with pulse oximetry-based prehospital oxygen titration did not significantly improve the normoxia index compared with standard oxygen titration based on pulse oximetry alone (NCT03653325).

Does closed-loop automated oxygen control reduce the duration of supplementary oxygen treatment and the amount of time spent in hyperoxia? A randomised controlled trial in ventilated infants born at or near term.

BACKGROUND: Ventilated infants frequently require supplemental oxygen, but its use should be monitored carefully due to associated complications. The achievement of oxygen saturation (SpO2) targets can be challenging as neonates experience frequent fluctuations of their oxygen levels that further increase the risk of complications. Closed-loop automated oxygen control systems (CLAC) improve achievement of oxygen saturation targets, reduce hyperoxaemic episodes and facilitate weaning of the inspired oxygen concentration in ventilated infants born at or near term. This study investigates whether CLAC compared with manual oxygen control reduces the time spent in hyperoxia and the overall duration of supplemental oxygen treatment in ventilated infants born at or above 34 weeks gestation. METHODS: This randomised controlled trial performed at a single tertiary neonatal unit is recruiting 40 infants born at or above 34 weeks of gestation and within 24 h of initiation of mechanical ventilation. Infants are randomised to CLAC or manual oxygen control from recruitment till successful extubation. The primary outcome is the percentage of time spent in hyperoxia (SpO2 > 96%). The secondary outcomes are the overall duration of supplementary oxygen treatment, the percentage of time spent with an oxygen requirement above thirty per cent, the number of days on mechanical ventilation and the length of neonatal unit stay. The study is performed following informed parental consent and was approved by the West Midlands-Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee (Protocol version 1.2, 10/11/2022). DISCUSSION: This trial will investigate the effect of CLAC on the overall duration of oxygen therapy and the time spent in hyperoxia. These are important clinical outcomes as hyperoxic injury is related to oxidative stress that can adversely affect multiple organ systems. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT05657795. Registered on 12/12/2022.

[Perioperative hyperoxia-More harmful than beneficial?] / Die perioperative Hyperoxie ­ mehr Schaden als Nutzen?

BACKGROUND: The ideal perioperative oxygen concentration is controversial and study results are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: Current knowledge on the beneficial and adverse effects of perioperative hyperoxia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Narrative review RESULTS: Perioperative hyperoxia is unlikely to increase the incidence of atelectasis, pulmonary or cardiovascular complications or mortality. Few and small potential beneficial effects, such as reduction of surgical wound infections or postoperative nausea and vomiting have been demonstrated. According to the current state of evidence, it is recommended to avoid perioperative hyperoxia and to aim for normoxia instead.

Arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide tension and acute brain injury in extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation patients: Analysis of the extracorporeal life support organization registry.

BACKGROUND: Acute brain injury (ABI) remains common after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Using a large international multicenter cohort, we investigated the impact of peri-cannulation arterial oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) on ABI occurrence. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed adult (≥18 years old) ECPR patients in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry from 1/2009 through 12/2020. Composite ABI included ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), seizures, and brain death. The registry collects 2 blood gas data pre- (6 hours) and post- (24 hours) cannulation. Blood gas parameters were classified as: hypoxia (<60mm Hg), normoxia (60-119mm Hg), and mild (120-199mm Hg), moderate (200-299mm Hg), and severe hyperoxia (≥300mm Hg); hypocarbia (<35mm Hg), normocarbia (35-44mm Hg), mild (45-54mm Hg) and severe hypercarbia (≥55mm Hg). Missing values were handled using multiple imputation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship of PaO2 and PaCO2 with ABI. RESULTS: Of 3,125 patients with ECPR intervention (median age=58, 69% male), 488 (16%) experienced ABI (7% ischemic stroke; 3% ICH). In multivariable analysis, on-ECMO moderate (aOR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.02-1.97) and severe hyperoxia (aOR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.20-2.10) were associated with composite ABI. Additionally, severe hyperoxia was associated with ischemic stroke (aOR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.11-2.40), ICH (aOR=1.92, 95%CI: 1.08-3.40), and in-hospital mortality (aOR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.21-2.06). Mild hypercarbia pre-ECMO was protective of composite ABI (aOR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.44-0.84) and ischemic stroke (aOR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.35-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Early severe hyperoxia (≥300mm Hg) on ECMO was a significant risk factor for ABI and mortality. Careful consideration should be given in early oxygen delivery in ECPR patients who are at risk of reperfusion injury.

Hyperoxia is Dose-Dependently Associated with an Increase of Unfavorable Outcomes in Ventilated Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Adequate oxygenation in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is imperative. However, hyperoxia increases formation of reactive oxygen species and may be associated with a dose-dependent toxicity. We postulated a threshold for arterial partial pressure of oxygen (paO2) above which toxicity effects precipitate and sought to study the effects on 30-day mortality, favorable outcome at discharge and at 3 months, and delayed cerebral ischemia. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center cohort study, patients with SAH and mechanical ventilation > 72 h were included. Oxygen integrals were calculated above the following thresholds: 80, 100, 120, and 150 mm Hg and time-weighted mean paO2. All calculations were done from admission to end of day 1, day 3, and day 14. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, duration of ventilation, and Hunt and Hess grade. Time-weighted mean paO2 was categorized by quartiles. Favorable outcome was defined as Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4 and 5. RESULTS: From November 2010 to February 2021, 282 of 549 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Odds ratios for 30-day mortality increased dose dependently and were as follows: 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.11; p = 0.001) for each 1 mm Hg per day above 80 mm Hg; 1.16 (95% CI 1.07-1.27), above 100 mm Hg; 1.36 (95% CI 1.15-1.61), above 120 mm Hg; and 1.59 (95% CI 1.22-2.08), above 150 mm Hg (all p < 0.001) at day 14. For favorable outcome at 3 months, odds ratios were 0.96 (95% CI 0.92-0.99) for each 1 mm Hg per day above 80 mm Hg; 0.90 (95% CI 0.84-0.98), above 100 mm Hg; 0.83 (95% CI 0.72-0.97), above 120 mm Hg; and 0.77 (95% CI 0.61-0.97), above 150 mm Hg (all p < 0.05). For time-weighted mean paO2, lowest 30-day mortality and highest favorable outcome at 3 months were found in the second quartile (78-85 mm Hg). Thirty-day mortality increased above 93 mm Hg (fourth quartile), with an odds ratio of 3.4 (95% CI 1.4-8.4, p = 0.007). Odds ratios for favorable outcome at 3 months were 0.28 (95% CI 0.12-0.69), 0.27 (95% CI 0.11-0.67), and 0.24 (95% CI 0.10-0.59) for the first, third, and fourth quartiles, respectively (all p < 0.01). No significant association was found at day 1 and day 3, for favorable outcome at discharge, or for delayed cerebral ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Integrals above the defined paO2 thresholds were dose-dependently associated with an increase in mortality in ventilated patients with SAH. When we considered time-weighted mean paO2, unfavorable outcomes and 30-day mortality were more frequent both below and above a certain range. Unfavorable outcomes increased in paO2 ranges usually defined as normoxia. This emphasizes the necessity to further characterize oxygenation thresholds in ventilated patients with SAH in prospective clinical studies.

Does closed-loop automated oxygen control reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation? A randomised controlled trial in ventilated preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Many preterm infants require supplemental oxygen in the newborn period but experience frequent fluctuations of their oxygen saturation levels. Intermittent episodes of hypoxia or hyperoxia increase the risk of complications. Compliance with achievement of oxygen saturation targets is variable, and the need for frequent adjustments of the inspired oxygen concentration increases workload. Closed-loop automated oxygen control systems (CLAC) improve achievement of oxygen saturation targets and reduce both episodes of hypoxia and hyperoxia and the number of manual adjustments. This study investigates whether CLAC compared with manual oxygen control reduces the duration of mechanical ventilation in preterm infants born at less than 31 weeks of gestation. METHODS: This randomised controlled trial performed at a single tertiary neonatal unit is recruiting 70 infants born at less than 31 weeks of gestational age and within 48 h of initiation of mechanical ventilation. Infants are randomised to CLAC or manual oxygen control from recruitment until successful extubation. The primary outcome is the duration of mechanical ventilation, and secondary outcomes are the percentage of time spent within target oxygen saturation ranges, the time spent in hypoxia or hyperoxia, the number of manual adjustments required, the number of days on oxygen, the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the length and cost of neonatal unit stay. The study is performed following informed parental consent and was approved by the Yorkshire and the Humber-Sheffield Research Ethics Committee (protocol version 1.1, 13 July 2021). DISCUSSION: This trial will investigate the effect of CLAC on the duration of mechanical ventilation, which is an important clinical outcome as prolonged mechanical ventilation is associated with important adverse outcomes, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT05030337 . Registered on 17 August 2021.

Association of Arterial Hyperoxia With Outcomes in Critically Ill Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Oxygen supplementation is a cornerstone treatment in pediatric critical care. Accumulating evidence suggests that overzealous use of oxygen, leading to hyperoxia, is associated with worse outcomes compared with patients with normoxia. Objectives: To evaluate the association of arterial hyperoxia with clinical outcome in critically ill children among studies using varied definitions of hyperoxia. Data Sources: A systematic search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to February 1, 2021, was conducted. Study Selection: Clinical trials or observational studies of children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit that examined hyperoxia, by any definition, and described at least 1 outcome of interest. No language restrictions were applied. Data Extraction and Synthesis: The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guideline and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for study quality assessment were used. The review process was performed independently by 2 reviewers. Data were pooled with a random-effects model. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was 28-day mortality; this time was converted to mortality at the longest follow-up owing to insufficient studies reporting the initial primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, ventilator-related outcomes, extracorporeal organ support, and functional performance. Results: In this systematic review, 16 studies (27 555 patients) were included. All, except 1 randomized clinical pilot trial, were observational cohort studies. Study populations included were post-cardiac arrest (n = 6), traumatic brain injury (n = 1), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 2), and general critical care (n = 7). Definitions and assessment of hyperoxia differed among included studies. Partial pressure of arterial oxygen was most frequently used to define hyperoxia and mainly by categorical cutoff. In total, 11 studies (23 204 patients) were pooled for meta-analysis. Hyperoxia, by any definition, showed an odds ratio of 1.59 (95% CI, 1.00-2.51; after Hartung-Knapp adjustment, 95% CI, 1.05-2.38) for mortality with substantial between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 92%). This association was also found in less heterogeneous subsets. A signal of harm was observed at higher thresholds of arterial oxygen levels when grouped by definition of hyperoxia. Secondary outcomes were inadequate for meta-analysis. Conclusions and Relevance: These results suggest that, despite methodologic limitations of the studies, hyperoxia is associated with mortality in critically ill children. This finding identifies the further need for prospective observational studies and importance to address the clinical implications of hyperoxia in critically ill children.

Incidence of hyperoxia and factors associated with cerebral oxygenation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: High oxygen levels may worsen cardiac arrest reperfusion injury. We determined the incidence of hyperoxia during and immediately after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation and identified factors associated with intra-arrest cerebral oxygenation measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). METHODS: A prospective observational study of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients treated by a physician-staffed helicopter unit. Collected data included intra-arrest brain regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) with NIRS, invasive blood pressures, end-tidal CO2 (etCO2) and arterial blood gas samples. Moderate and severe hyperoxia were defined as arterial oxygen partial pressure (paO2) 20.0-39.9 and ≥40 kPa, respectively. Intra-arrest factors correlated with the NIRS value, rSO2, were assessed with the Spearman's correlation test. RESULTS: Of 80 recruited patients, 73 (91%) patients had rSO2 recorded during CPR, and 46 had an intra-arrest paO2 analysed. ROSC was achieved in 28 patients, of whom 20 had paO2 analysed. Moderate hyperoxia was seen in one patient during CPR and in four patients (20%, 95% CI 7-42%) after ROSC. None had severe hyperoxia during CPR, and one patient (5%, 95% 0-25%) immediately after ROSC. The rSO2 during CPR was correlated with intra-arrest systolic (r = 0.28, p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.32, p < 0.001) but not with paO2 (r = 0.13, p = 0.41), paCO2 (r = 0.18, p = 0.22) or etCO2 (r = 0.008, p = 0.9). CONCLUSION: Hyperoxia during or immediately after CPR is rare in patients treated by physician-staffed helicopter units. Cerebral oxygenation during CPR appears more dependent, albeit weakly, on hemodynamics than arterial oxygen concentration.

Hyperoxia during extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for refractory cardiac arrest is associated with severe circulatory failure and increased mortality.

BACKGROUND: High levels of arterial oxygen pressures (PaO2) have been associated with increased mortality in extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), but there is limited information regarding possible mechanisms linking hyperoxia and death in this setting, notably with respect to its hemodynamic consequences. We aimed therefore at evaluating a possible association between PaO2, circulatory failure and death during ECPR. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 44 consecutive cardiac arrest (CA) patients treated with ECPR to determine the association between the mean PaO2 over the first 24 h, arterial blood pressure, vasopressor and intravenous fluid therapies, mortality, and cause of deaths. RESULTS: Eleven patients (25%) survived to hospital discharge. The main causes of death were refractory circulatory shock (46%) and neurological damage (24%). Compared to survivors, non survivors had significantly higher mean 24 h PaO2 (306 ± 121 mmHg vs 164 ± 53 mmHg, p < 0.001), lower mean blood pressure and higher requirements in vasopressors and fluids, but displayed similar pulse pressure during the first 24 h (an index of native cardiac recovery). The mean 24 h PaO2 was significantly and positively correlated with the severity of hypotension and the intensity of vasoactive therapies. Patients dying from circulatory failure died after a median of 17 h, compared to a median of 58 h for patients dying from a neurological cause. Patients dying from neurological cause had better preserved blood pressure and lower vasopressor requirements. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, hyperoxia is associated with increased mortality during ECPR, possibly by promoting circulatory collapse or delayed neurological damage.

Incidence of hyperoxia in trauma patients receiving pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia: results of a 5-year retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated an association between hyperoxia and increased mortality in various patient groups. Critically unwell and injured patients are routinely given high concentration oxygen in the pre-hospital phase of care. We aim to investigate the incidence of hyperoxia in major trauma patients receiving pre-hospital emergency anesthesia (PHEA) in the pre-hospital setting and determine factors that may help guide clinicians with pre-hospital oxygen administration in these patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of all patients who received PHEA by a single helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) between 1 October 2014 and 1 May 2019 and who were subsequently transferred to one major trauma centre (MTC). Patient and treatment factors were collected from the electronic patient records of the HEMS service and the MTC. Hyperoxia was defined as a PaO2 > 16 kPA on the first arterial blood gas analysis upon arrival in the MTC. RESULTS: On arrival in the MTC, the majority of the patients (90/147, 61.2%) had severe hyperoxia, whereas 30 patients (20.4%) had mild hyperoxia and 26 patients (19.7%) had normoxia. Only 1 patient (0.7%) had hypoxia. The median PaO2 on the first arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA) after HEMS handover was 36.7 [IQR 18.5-52.2] kPa, with a range of 7.0-86.0 kPa. SpO2 pulse oximetry readings before handover were independently associated with the presence of hyperoxia. An SpO2 ≥ 97% was associated with a significantly increased odds of hyperoxia (OR 3.99 [1.58-10.08]), and had a sensitivity of 86.7% [79.1-92.4], a specificity of 37.9% [20.7-57.8], a positive predictive value of 84.5% [70.2-87.9] and a negative predictive value of 42.3% [27.4-58.7] for the presence of hyperoxemia. CONCLUSION: Trauma patients who have undergone PHEA often have profound hyperoxemia upon arrival at hospital. In the pre-hospital setting, where arterial blood gas analysis is not readily available a titrated approach to oxygen therapy should be considered to reduce the incidence of potentially harmful tissue hyperoxia.

Effect of Low-Normal vs High-Normal Oxygenation Targets on Organ Dysfunction in Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Hyperoxemia may increase organ dysfunction in critically ill patients, but optimal oxygenation targets are unknown. Objective: To determine whether a low-normal Pao2 target compared with a high-normal target reduces organ dysfunction in critically ill patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter randomized clinical trial in 4 intensive care units in the Netherlands. Enrollment was from February 2015 to October 2018, with end of follow-up to January 2019, and included adult patients admitted with 2 or more SIRS criteria and expected stay of longer than 48 hours. A total of 9925 patients were screened for eligibility, of whom 574 fulfilled the enrollment criteria and were randomized. Interventions: Target Pao2 ranges were 8 to 12 kPa (low-normal, n = 205) and 14 to 18 kPa (high-normal, n = 195). An inspired oxygen fraction greater than 0.60 was applied only when clinically indicated. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary end point was SOFARANK, a ranked outcome of nonrespiratory organ failure quantified by the nonrespiratory components of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, summed over the first 14 study days. Participants were ranked from fastest organ failure improvement (lowest scores) to worsening organ failure or death (highest scores). Secondary end points were duration of mechanical ventilation, in-hospital mortality, and hypoxemic measurements. Results: Among the 574 patients who were randomized, 400 (70%) were enrolled within 24 hours (median age, 68 years; 140 women [35%]), all of whom completed the trial. The median Pao2 difference between the groups was -1.93 kPa (95% CI, -2.12 to -1.74; P < .001). The median SOFARANK score was -35 points in the low-normal Pao2 group vs -40 in the high-normal Pao2 group (median difference, 10 [95% CI, 0 to 21]; P = .06). There was no significant difference in median duration of mechanical ventilation (3.4 vs 3.1 days; median difference, -0.15 [95% CI, -0.88 to 0.47]; P = .59) and in-hospital mortality (32% vs 31%; odds ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.67 to 1.63]; P = .91). Mild hypoxemic measurements occurred more often in the low-normal group (1.9% vs 1.2%; median difference, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.30 to 1.20]; P < .001). Acute kidney failure developed in 20 patients (10%) in the low-normal Pao2 group and 21 patients (11%) in the high-normal Pao2 group, and acute myocardial infarction in 6 patients (2.9%) in the low-normal Pao2 group and 7 patients (3.6%) in the high-normal Pao2 group. Conclusions and Relevance: Among critically ill patients with 2 or more SIRS criteria, treatment with a low-normal Pao2 target compared with a high-normal Pao2 target did not result in a statistically significant reduction in organ dysfunction. However, the study may have had limited power to detect a smaller treatment effect than was hypothesized. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02321072.