Inside the oxygen paradox

In recent years, a number of studies have found that conservative, normoxic oxygenation strategies could yield certain benefits and can help reduce mortality. Recently, a study conducted by researchers at UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital has found similar findings with reduced oxygen levels in critically ill children on mechanical ventilators potentially saving tens of young lives each year. Roughly 20,000 children are admitted to intensive care each year; with three-quarters requiring oxygen through a ventilator, how can reduced oxygen result in improved health outcomes? Monica Karpinski speaks to associate professor of medicine and critical care physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Matthew Semler and Mark Peters professor of paediatric intensive care at University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health to investigate the latest research to fi nd out whether reduced oxygen could help save lives.