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

ABSTRACT

Introduction: 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 (IVO₂), a novel method to improve oxygen delivery that involves intravenous administration of a physiologic solution containing dissolved oxygen at hyperbaric concentrations. After a brief review of the physiology behind supersaturated fluids, we summarize the current evidence surrounding IVO₂.

Expert commentary: Although not yet at the stage of clinical testing in the United States and Europe, IVO₂ has been used safely in Asia. Furthermore, preliminary laboratory data have been encouraging, suggesting that IVO₂ may play a role in the management of patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure in years to come. However, significantly more work needs to be done, including definitive evidence that such a therapy is safe, before it can be included in an intensivist’s arsenal for hypoxemic respiratory failure.

KEYWORDS:

• Hypoxia
• respiratory failure
• lung injury
• mechanical ventilation
• intravenous oxygen
• critical care
• oxygen delivery

Declaration of interest

DJ. Grady has a financial interest in Outcome Solutions, LLC and ORG Ventures, LLC. DJ. Grady also holds issued patents for a method and technology of a system designed for infusion of cold supersaturated dissolved oxygen and holds stock in TherOx, Inc. IM. Cheifetz has received funding for animal research on intravenous delivery of dissolved oxygen. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.