• J W Kuluz, G E McLaughlin, B Gelman, G P Cantwell, J Thomas, T Mahon, and C L Schleien.
• Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida 33101-6960, USA. jkuluz@med.miami.edu
• Resp Care. 2001 Sep 1;46(9):897-901.

ObjectiveMeasure the fraction of inspired oxygen (F(IO(2))) in infants receiving supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula and identify clinical variables that affect F(IO(2)).MethodsHypopharyngeal gas samples were obtained from 20 infants receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at flows between 0 and 4 L/min. F(IO(2)) was calculated using the alveolar gas equation and measurements of partial pressure of oxygen in the samples and the barometric pressure.ResultsF(IO(2)) increased as oxygen flow was increased. F(IO(2)) exceeded safe levels (> 60%) in two thirds of samples when the oxygen flow was 2 L/min or higher. Tachypnea (respiratory rate > 40 breaths/min) was associated with lower F(IO(2)).ConclusionInfants receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at > or = 2 L/min may be at risk for hyperoxic lung injury. Therefore, we recommend using the lowest possible oxygen flow needed to maintain normoxia in infants requiring prolonged oxygen therapy via nasal cannula.

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