Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Measure the fraction of inspired oxygen (F IO2) in infants receiving supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula and identify clinical variables that affect F IO2. METHODS: Hypopharyngeal gas samples were obtained from 20 infants receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at flows between 0 and 4 L/min. F IO2 was calculated using the alveolar gas equation and measurements of partial pressure of oxygen in the samples and the barometric pressure. RESULTS: F IO2 increased as oxygen flow was increased. F IO2 exceeded safe levels (> 60%) in two thirds of samples when the oxygen flow was 2 L/min or higher. Tachypnea (respiratory rate > 40 breaths/min) was associated with lower F IO2. CONCLUSION: Infants receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at ≥ 2 L/min may be at risk for hyperoxic lung injury. Therefore, we recommend using the lowest possible oxygen flow needed to maintain normoxia in infants requiring prolonged oxygen therapy via nasal cannula.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 897-901 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Respiratory care |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| State | Published - Sep 2001 |
Keywords
- Free radicals
- Hyperoxia
- Lung injury
- Oxygen toxicity
- Pediatrics
- Respiratory failure
- Respiratory therapy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine