Dead Space to Tidal Volume Ratio Is Associated With Higher Postextubation Support in Children.

Background: Extubation failure is associated with increased duration of mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, and mortality. An elevated dead-space-to-tidal-volume ratio (V/V) has been proposed as a predictor of successful extubation in children. We hypothesized that a higher V/V value would be associated with extubation failure and higher postextubation respiratory support.

Intravenous oxygen: a novel method of oxygen delivery in hypoxemic respiratory failure?

Hypoxemic respiratory failure is a common problem in critical care. Current management strategies, including mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membranous oxygenation, can be efficacious but these therapies put patients at risk for toxicities associated with invasive forms of support. Areas covered: In this manuscript, we discuss intravenous oxygen (IVO), a novel method to improve oxygen delivery that involves intravenous administration of a physiologic solution containing dissolved oxygen at hyperbaric concentrations.