Safe, effective and cost-effective oxygen saturation targets for children and adolescents with respiratory distress: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (OxyKids study).

Introduction: Little is known about the effectiveness and safety of oxygen saturation (SpO2) thresholds in children admitted with respiratory distress. The current 90%-94% threshold could lead to prolonged administration of supplemental oxygen, increased duration of hospital admissions, distress for children and families, and healthcare costs. To balance reducing unnecessary oxygen administration and preventing hypoxia, a lower SpO2 threshold of 88% for oxygen supplementation in children has been suggested.

Nasopharyngeal microbiota in children is associated with severe asthma exacerbations.

Background: The respiratory microbiome has been associated with the etiology and disease course of asthma.

Objective: We sought to assess the nasopharyngeal microbiota in children with a severe asthma exacerbation and their associations with medication, air quality, and viral infection.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among children aged 2 to 18 years admitted to the medium care unit (MCU; n = 84) or intensive care unit (ICU; n = 78) with an asthma exacerbation.

Oxygen saturation targets for children with respiratory distress: a systematic review.

Background: In children with respiratory distress, supplemental oxygen is indicated at peripheral oxygen saturation () thresholds of 90-94%. However, these thresholds are poorly studied. We conducted a systematic review to summarise the existing evidence for thresholds in children with respiratory distress.