Use sparingly
For patients with COPD, the target levels are lower, due to the risk of hypercapnia (higher than normal carbon dioxide levels in the blood). Oxygen saturation levels should then be kept between 88% and 92%, “by using the minimum amount of oxygen necessary,” per the guidelines.
“Oxygen should be used sparingly,” concluded Dr. Negrello. “To treat our patients without harming them, we must be able to use it at the right time, meaning when a patient really has low blood oxygen, by focusing on normal saturation levels as the end goal.”
SpO2 measurement is the first step to be taken to determine oxygen requirements, followed by, if necessary, blood gas analysis once the patient has been admitted, he explained.
Questioned at the end of his session on how long oxygen therapy can be given for, Dr. Negrello reiterated that the risk for death is correlated with the length of time spent in a state of hyperoxia but that it is difficult to establish a maximum timeframe to be adhered to strictly.
Given that excess oxygen is harmful to patients in intensive care, “it would be better, when in doubt, to focus on physiological levels” and simply stop treatment when target saturation levels are reached.
This article was translated from the Medscape French Edition. A version appeared on Medscape.com.